No fewer than 27 persons have been killed following a joint attack by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State in the early hours of Tuesday.
The insurgents reportedly overran Shuwari Sholi community, killing residents and setting structures ablaze in an assault that lasted several hours.
Among those killed was the village head of Shuwari, Bademi Papka, said to be a cousin of the Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri.
Eyewitness Account
An eyewitness, who spoke anonymously, said the attackers stormed the community on motorcycles and opened fire on villagers gathered near the market square.
“They started shooting at people sitting together under a tree near the market,” the source said, adding that residents fled toward the mountains as the insurgents fired sporadically.
According to the witness, security personnel were alerted but arrived after the attackers had left the area.
Former Madagali Local Government Chairman, Maina Ularamu, confirmed the incident but noted that casualty figures were still being verified.
“Some reports say about 20 people were killed, while others suggest the number is higher. The exact figure will only be known once people have settled after the initial fear and chaos,” he said.
Meanwhile, tension also gripped Uso community in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State after suspected gunmen invaded a Celestial Church during an early morning service and abducted six worshippers.
The attack occurred around 12:50 a.m. along the Uso/Owo Expressway. One of the abducted victims reportedly escaped shortly after the incident, leaving five still in captivity.
Confirming the development, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Abayomi, said security operatives, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, had launched coordinated rescue operations.
“As a result of sustained joint efforts, one of the kidnapped victims has been successfully rescued. Additionally, one suspected informant linked to the incident has been arrested and is currently assisting with ongoing investigations,” he said.
He assured residents that efforts were ongoing to rescue the remaining victims and apprehend all perpetrators.
In a related development, a couple abducted in Ilu Abo, Akure North Local Government Area, four days earlier have regained their freedom.
A family source confirmed that Jamiu Olawale and his wife were released on Tuesday night after a ransom of N5 million was paid to their abductors.
Residents in both states have called on authorities to intensify security measures amid growing concerns over persistent attacks and kidnappings.
