At least 29 people have been killed following a violent attack by gunmen on Guyaku and Telabala communities in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers stormed the area on Sunday evening during a football match held at a community primary school around 5:00 p.m., opening fire indiscriminately and throwing the community into panic as residents fled for safety.
The assault reportedly left several people dead and others injured, with some victims caught in the chaos as they attempted to escape. Properties, including religious buildings and motorcycles, were also set ablaze during the attack.
Residents described scenes of confusion and grief, with families mourning loved ones lost in the incident. One resident, Musa Guyaku, said gunmen suddenly invaded the community and began shooting sporadically, killing at least two people on the spot and burning down structures.
Although he could not confirm the total number of casualties at the time, later updates indicated that about 29 persons were killed in the attack.
The incident occurred just a week after a similar attack in Mayo Ladde, Hong Local Government Area, raising renewed concerns about insecurity in parts of the state.
Adamawa State Governor, Umaru Fintiri, who cut short his official engagements, visited the affected communities to assess the situation and sympathise with victims. He described the attack as tragic and deeply concerning, noting that it followed another recent violent incident in a neighbouring local government area.
Governor Fintiri attributed the attack to suspected criminal elements linked to Boko Haram and assured residents that security agencies are working to restore peace and prevent further occurrences.
He pledged continued government support for affected communities and promised stronger collaboration with the military and other security agencies to enhance protection in vulnerable areas.
“We will continue to do our best because these are our people, and we will ensure they are protected,” the governor said.
The traditional ruler of Gombi Chiefdom, His Royal Majesty Aggrey Bechour-Ali, disclosed that security warnings had previously led to the suspension of Sallah celebrations in the area due to threats, adding that the attackers may have exploited the football gathering to launch the assault.
He also raised concerns about possible informants aiding the attackers from within the community.
During his visit, the governor toured the affected locations where burnt vehicles, destroyed buildings, and displaced residents highlighted the scale of devastation. Many locals were seen evacuating their homes amid fear of further attacks.
The incident underscores persistent security challenges in rural parts of Adamawa State and highlights growing calls for improved surveillance, rapid response, and stronger protection of vulnerable communities.
