50 Killed In Adamawa, Benue, Plateau; 23 Pupils Kidnapped In Kogi

• Massacre tragic, barbaric, unacceptable – Gov Fintiri
• Pastor, wife, 2 children killed in Plateau
• Herdsmen kill 7 in Benue; as gunmen kidnap farm manager in Ondo

GOMBI, Adamawa State, Nigeria – No fewer than 29 persons were killed late Sunday night when suspected Boko Haram insurgents stormed Guyaku community in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State, throwing the border settlement into deep mourning.

NaijaChoice News reports that the heavily armed attackers operated for several hours, unleashing terror on defenseless residents, razing homes, burning places of worship, and destroying valuable property including motorcycles and other means of livelihood. The community, which shares borders with the dreaded Sambisa forest along the Adamawa-Borno federal highway, was left devastated.

A prominent local leader and Paramount Ruler of Gombi, Agrey Ali Kumo Gombi, who spoke to NaijaChoice News, described the assault as merciless. “They came in large numbers and attacked our people without mercy. Many were killed, our worship centres were burned, and properties destroyed,” he lamented.

Survivors and eyewitnesses said the insurgents struck without warning, leaving many residents, especially women, children and the elderly, fleeing into neighbouring communities over fears of fresh attacks.

Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, who visited the scene in the early hours of Monday for an on-the-spot assessment, described the massacre as “tragic, barbaric and completely unacceptable.” The governor condoled with bereaved families and pledged stronger collaboration with security agencies to track down the perpetrators.

“This is a painful moment for our state. The killing of innocent citizens in such a cruel manner is unacceptable. We will not relent in our duty to protect lives and property,” Governor Fintiri stated during the visit, which residents described as both symbolic and reassuring. He promised immediate government support for victims and enhanced security surveillance in vulnerable border areas.

The Adamawa incident formed part of a bloody Sunday night that saw multiple attacks across different parts of the country.

In Plateau State, gunmen invaded Gako Village in Riyom Local Government Area, killing a pastor, his wife and their two children. The victims were identified as Rev. Ayuba Choji, his wife Chundung Ayuba, and their children Cyril Ayuba and Endurance Ayuba. The attack occurred around 11 p.m. as the assailants opened fire indiscriminately on the community.

In Benue State, suspected herdsmen killed at least seven persons in a two-day assault on Channel One community, a border settlement along the Arufu–Wukari road in Ukemberagya/Tswarev Council Ward of Logo Local Government Area. Several others sustained injuries while many residents fled their homes. The LGA Chairman, Clement Kav, confirmed the casualty figures and said he had briefed the Commissioner of Police and the Adviser on Homeland Security.

Also on the same night in Kogi State, gunmen attacked an orphanage and school facility (Dahallukitab Group of Schools) at Zariagi area of Lokoja, abducting 23 pupils and the wife of the school proprietor. Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said security operatives rescued 15 of the abducted pupils while efforts continue to free the remaining eight. The commissioner noted that the facility was operating illegally in a remote area without proper registration and warned operators of schools and orphanages against setting up in isolated locations without authorisation.

In Ondo State, gunmen abducted a farm manager, Afolabi Ajayi, at Imafon community in Akure North Local Government Area around 10:30 a.m. on Monday as he arrived at a poultry farm. Police have deployed tactical teams to comb the surrounding bushes for his rescue.

These incidents have once again highlighted the fragile security situation in rural communities, particularly in areas bordering conflict zones. Stakeholders are calling for improved intelligence sharing, stronger border security and sustained military operations to dismantle hideouts used by insurgents, bandits and herdsmen militia across the affected states.