12 killed as Boko Haram attacks Adamawa community, burns church, loots shops

From Billy Abel, Yola

At least 12 persons were killed, two others hospitalised, while a church was burnt and three shops looted when suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked Dzangola community in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State on Sunday.

Chairman of Gombi Local Government Area, Mark Ishaya, confirmed the casualties in a telephone conversation with journalists, saying security personnel comprising soldiers, police and forest guards had been mobilised to the area to restore normalcy.

Ishaya said the security personnel were deployed to provide security for residents and prevent further attacks following the invasion of the community by the insurgents.

The attack, according to him, resulted in the deaths of 12 people, while two others were injured and receiving treatment in hospital. A church was also reportedly burnt, while three shops were looted by the attackers.

The incident is said to be the second attack on the community within a couple of months, raising fresh concerns over the safety of residents in the area.

Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Bathliya Wesley, condemned the killings and described the incident as devastating.

Wesley expressed condolences to the families of the victims, as well as the people of Dzangola and the entire Gombi community.

“My heart and thoughts are with the resilient people of Dzangola, Gombi, following the devastating attack that tragically claimed the lives of 11 innocent individuals,” the Speaker said.

He condemned the violence, stressing that no community deserved to suffer such an attack.

“No community deserves to suffer such unprovoked wickedness. We fervently pray for the divine safety and protection of our people and for the swift restoration of lasting peace throughout Gombi and the entire region,” he said.

The Speaker prayed for the repose of the souls of those killed and urged their families to remain strong during what he described as an immensely painful period.

“May Almighty God grant eternal rest to those who lost their lives, and may He bestow upon their grieving families the strength, fortitude and courage needed to bear this immensely painful loss.”

Wesley called on security agencies to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities, investigate the attack and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies and community leaders in efforts to restore peace and prevent further loss of lives.

“We stand firmly with you in this difficult time,” the Speaker assured the people of Dzangola.