Matthew Buntiri, a resident of Shuwari community in Adamawa has recounted a terrifying ordeal following a deadly assault by Boko Haram terrorists in Madagali Local Government Area.
Speaking to Arise TV News, the eyewitness described how the attackers deceived locals by disguising themselves as military personnel upon entering the area.
Soon afterward, additional assailants arrived on motorbikes and opened fire indiscriminately, unleashing chaos on the defenseless community.
“They came into our community and pretended to be military personnel. Shortly after, others followed on motorbikes and started shooting,” Buntiri told Arise TV News.
The invasion targeted Shuwari and nearby areas, resulting in at least 18 deaths according to Arise TV News reports.
The gunmen reportedly overran parts of the community, killing residents and setting structures ablaze during the prolonged assault that stretched into the night.
Among the victims were civilians caught off guard by the impersonation tactic, which allowed the terrorists to approach without immediate resistance.
The attack has heightened fears in the frontline Madagali region, close to volatile borders and insurgent hideouts like the Sambisa Forest corridor.
Authorities confirmed the incident amid a pattern of recent incursions in Adamawa State, where Boko Haram and rival groups such as ISWAP have intensified operations, displacing residents and straining security efforts.
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri visited the affected zone to console grieving families and pledged continued action to restore peace.
Community leaders and survivors have called for bolstered military presence and faster response mechanisms to prevent such devastating raids.See_More…