By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Yola
No fewer than 29 people have been killed and properties worth millions of naira destroyed following a renewed Boko Haram attack on Tela-Bala and Sabon-Gari villages in Guyaku District of Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Residents said the insurgents stormed the communities on Sunday evening at about 5:13 p.m. while locals were watching a football competition involving youth teams in the area, turning what began as a peaceful gathering into chaos.
A resident of Sabon-Gari, who identified himself as Nimfas Bala, said the attackers opened heavy fire from different directions, forcing players and spectators to flee, while the gunmen split into groups and reportedly targeted mostly male villagers.
Bala said he counted 29 bodies after the attack, adding that many residents were still missing as search efforts continued in nearby bushes, while several families remained displaced by fear.
He disclosed that the insurgents also burnt a worship centre, destroying musical instruments, plastic chairs and other valuables, while 42 motorcycles belonging to players and spectators were set ablaze at the football field.
According to him, the attackers looted provision stores and carted away food and non-food items, abandoning one faulty tricycle loaded with stolen goods as they fled toward villages in Hong Local Government Area en route to the Sambisa Forest.
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri visited the affected communities on Monday and described the killings as tragic and unacceptable, assuring residents of stronger security measures to prevent a recurrence.
The traditional ruler of the area, Kumo Gombi, Aggrey Ali, said the attackers operated for several hours, killing residents, burning places of worship and destroying motorcycles and other property, while appealing for increased security presence.
Residents said fear and tension still grip the communities, with many women, children and elderly persons fleeing their homes over fresh reports that the insurgents had again been sighted approaching the area.
