From HASSAN SHALLPELLA, Yola
Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have killed 28 people, including the newly appointed village head, in Shuawari Village of Kirchinga District in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State.Many people were also injured in the attack.
The terrorists burnt residential houses belonging to locals Wednesday night.The incident comes less than four days after insurgents killed three soldiers and one civilian in Garaha Village of Hong Local Government Area of the state.
The affected villages are adjoining Sambisa Forest in Borno State, a known stronghold of Boko Haram insurgents.The communities lack adequate security to counter such invasions.
According to locals, the terrorists invaded Shuawari Village and shot sporadically.They killed those in sight before setting residential buildings on fire.One of the locals, Philip Madagali, told our correspondent that it took the intervention of local security outfits comprising hunters and vigilantes to repel the insurgents.
He said the attackers had overpowered military troops providing security in the area.“I want to tell you that the terrorists do not fear the military at all.”They confront the military personnel but retreat when hunters and vigilantes are called upon for backup,” he said.
He added that those injured during the attack were receiving medical attention in hospital.
The Village Head of Kirchinga, Lawal Kanuri, who confirmed the incident, said the actual number of casualties was yet to be ascertained.
He disclosed that food items, domestic animals and personal belongings were lost in the attack.The Adamawa State Police Spokesman, SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, in a statement said the Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Morris, led a team of senior officers to the affected villages.
He pointed out that the visit was to assess the security situation and review police deployments aimed at strengthening collaboration with sister security agencies, particularly the military.
He said CP Morris reassured residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace, enhancing security presence and ensuring a return to normalcy in the area.