Matthew Buntiri, a resident of Shwari community in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State, has claimed that the gunmen responsible for the recent deadly attack on the community were Boko Haram insurgents who disguised themselves in military uniforms to deceive residents.
Speaking to News Central TV, Buntiri explained that long-term familiarity with the area allowed locals to distinguish the attackers through their gunfire patterns.
He noted that although the assailants wore army uniforms, they deviated from standard Nigerian Army appearance by tying cloth on their heads instead of using regular Army hats, confirming their identity as insurgents who disguised themselves to deceive residents.
His words: “They were wearing Army uniform, but they are Boko Haram because we have been living here for a long time. We can recognize them when they shoot and know that these are Boko Haram. When they came with this uniform, they pretend because the Nigerian Army have a cap, but for them, they usually tie something on their head.”
The assault targeted Shwari and nearby communities like Kirchinga, resulting in at least 18 deaths.
Gunmen on motorcycles stormed the villages late at night, opening fire indiscriminately, setting houses ablaze, and forcing many residents to flee into surrounding bushes for safety.
Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, whose hometown region was affected, has condemned the killings as cowardly acts of terrorism.
He visited the impacted communities, including Shwari, to commiserate with survivors, mourn the victims including local leaders and pledge enhanced security measures.
Authorities have promised intensified operations, relief support for displaced persons, and efforts to prevent further incursions, amid calls for stronger military presence in vulnerable border areas.See_More…