Gunmen Kill 29 in Adamawa Communities as Fintiri Visits Gombi Attack Sites

Deadly assault during community football match deepens security concerns in Adamawa’s northern corridor

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By Yahaya Jinjiri | Gombi , Nigeria

At least 29 people have been killed in a coordinated attack by gunmen on Guyaku and Telabala communities in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State. The assault, which occurred during a local football match, triggered panic as residents fled amid gunfire.

Governor Umaru Fintiri has since visited the affected communities, describing the incident as tragic and vowing stronger security measures.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the attackers stormed the communities at about 5:00 p.m. on Sunday while youths were engaged in a football match at a primary school. The assailants reportedly opened fire indiscriminately, killing residents and setting structures ablaze.

The violence forced villagers to flee, abandoning homes and belongings as confusion spread across the area. Religious buildings and private properties were among those destroyed in the attack.

A resident, Musa Guyaku, recounted that the attackers struck without warning, killing individuals at close range and burning down huts. Casualty figures were initially unclear, but state authorities later confirmed that no fewer than 29 people lost their lives.

The incident comes barely a week after a similar attack in Mayo Ladde, Hong Local Government Area, raising concerns over a pattern of escalating violence in the state.

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Governor Fintiri, who cut short official engagements to visit the affected areas, said the attack was carried out by criminal elements linked to Boko Haram. He assured residents that security agencies were taking steps to stabilise the situation and prevent further attacks.

The governor also extended condolences to the affected families and traditional authorities, pledging sustained collaboration with the military and other security agencies.

Attack Exploited Public Gathering

The traditional ruler of Gombi Chiefdom, His Royal Majesty Aggrey Bechour-Ali, disclosed that security agencies had earlier issued warnings advising communities to suspend Sallah celebrations due to credible threats.

He noted that while the directive was followed, the attackers exploited the football gathering to launch the assault, suggesting possible insider collaboration.

Destruction and Displacement Worsen Humanitarian Situation

A tour of the affected communities revealed burnt motorcycles, destroyed homes, and a razed church building. Several residents were seen evacuating their belongings, while others mourned loved ones lost in the violence.

Authorities say additional security deployments and surveillance measures are being implemented to restore confidence and prevent recurrence.