By Fatima Abdullahi
The incident comes barely a week after a similar attack in Mayo Ladde, located in Hong Local Government Area, where religious buildings were also set ablaze, deepening fears among residents of renewed violence in the state.
Grief-stricken locals were seen mourning openly, with many lamenting the loss of loved ones in the tragic incident.
A resident of Guyaku, Musa Guyaku, recounted the moment the attack unfolded. He said: “Yesterday evening, youths organised a football match between two communities, Zangula and another village. Suddenly, gunmen invaded our community and were shooting sporadically, killing two persons sitting in a hut and burning down the hut.”
When asked to provide the total number of casualties, he said he could not give an exact figure.
Governor Umaru Fintiri, who immediately suspended his official engagements, visited the affected communities to assess the situation firsthand. He described the incident as heartbreaking, especially coming shortly after the recent attack in Hong LGA.
Speaking during the visit, the governor said he was in the area to evaluate the impact of the assault carried out by what he described as criminal elements of Boko Haram and to reassure affected residents.
He expressed condolences to victims and the traditional leadership, assuring that the government, in collaboration with security agencies, would intensify efforts to protect lives and property.
Governor Fintiri confirmed that about 29 persons lost their lives in the attack, describing the development as both sad and unfortunate.
“We will continue to do our best because they are our people, and we will stand by them and ensure that government collaborates with the military and other security agencies to ensure that they are well protected,” he said.
Also reacting, the traditional ruler of Gombi Chiefdom, His Royal Majesty Aggrey Bechour-Ali, disclosed that security agencies had earlier warned against holding Sallah celebrations due to looming threats, a directive the community adhered to.
“There are informants in our midst who may even be sons of the soil,” he said, noting that the attackers appeared to have exploited the gathering at the football match to carry out the assault.
During a tour of the affected areas, several motorcycles were seen burnt, alongside a church building that was destroyed in the attack. Many residents were also observed fleeing with their belongings, while others sustained injuries.
Concerned by the development, the governor assured that additional security measures would be put in place to prevent further attacks.
The incident once again highlights persistent security challenges facing rural communities in Adamawa State’s northern corridor and underscores the urgent need for sustained vigilance and swift response strategies to safeguard lives and property.