At least 18 people, including a traditional leader, have been killed following an attack by suspected Boko Haram fighters on two communities in Adamawa State.
Residents said the assailants stormed Shewari and nearby Kirchinga in the late hours of Tuesday, firing shots and setting parts of the communities on fire. Witnesses described scenes of panic as the gunmen reportedly moved through the settlements for several hours.
Local sources put the death toll at 18, although a police source confirmed that at least 17 people lost their lives during the assault. Among those killed was the Village Head of Shewari, Ignatius Papka Bademi, who was said to be related to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.
Several other residents were injured, while many fled into surrounding bushes and neighboring towns to escape the violence.
The incident highlights ongoing security challenges in parts of Adamawa State, despite repeated assurances from authorities that insurgent activities in the region have been significantly reduced.
In the aftermath of the attack, Governor Fintiri was absent from public engagements on Wednesday. Sources at the Government House indicated that scheduled activities were either postponed or handled by aides.
Meanwhile, the Adamawa State Commissioner of Police visited the affected communities to evaluate the situation and oversee security measures. The state police spokesperson, SP Suleiman Nguroje, confirmed that additional security personnel had been deployed to prevent further attacks and reassure residents.
However, some community members expressed dissatisfaction, claiming that security forces often arrive only after significant damage has been done.
The latest killings have intensified fears of renewed insurgent activity in parts of northeastern Nigeria, particularly in remote communities vulnerable to coordinated attacks. As of the time of this report, the state government had not issued an official statement confirming the exact number of casualties or detailing new measures to prevent a recurrence.
