Headline:
At Least 29 Killed in Terror Attack on Adamawa Village During Football Match
Subheading:
Gunmen storm Sabon-Gari, burn church, loot shops, and flee towards Sambisa Forest; ISIS claims responsibility.
Sabon-Gari, Adamawa State – At least 29 people were killed in a brutal terrorist attack on Sunday evening in Sabon-Gari village, Guyaku District, as residents gathered to watch a local football match. Witnesses say armed assailants surrounded the community, firing indiscriminately and setting buildings ablaze before escaping towards the notorious Sambisa Forest.
Chaos During Football Match
The violence erupted around 5:00 pm while villagers were enjoying a football competition. Nimfas Bala, a resident who survived the attack, described scenes of panic as players and spectators fled in all directions.
“The attackers came on motorcycles, split into two groups, and started shooting anyone in sight,” Bala told Daily Trust. “I personally counted 29 bodies, and many more are still missing.”
In addition to the killings, the assailants burned down a church, destroying musical instruments and plastic chairs, and torched 42 motorcycles belonging to spectators. Several shops were looted, with food and other supplies stolen before the militants retreated.
ISIS Claims Responsibility
The Islamic State (ISIS) has reportedly claimed responsibility for the assault, according to Al Jazeera, which cited a statement released by the group on Telegram. The attack highlights the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria’s northeast, where insurgents continue to exploit remote terrain to launch deadly raids.
Government Response
Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri visited the devastated village on Monday, condemning the attack as “tragic and unacceptable.” He pledged to strengthen security cooperation to prevent future assaults and offered condolences to grieving families.
Local traditional leader Aggrey Ali called for an increased military presence in the area, noting that Gombi Local Government—which borders Sambisa Forest—remains particularly vulnerable due to its difficult terrain.
A Community in Mourning
Residents of Sabon-Gari are now left to bury their dead and rebuild their shattered lives. With many still unaccounted for, fears persist that the death toll could rise.
As security forces intensify operations in the region, questions remain over how to stem the tide of violence that continues to plague Nigeria’s conflict-ridden northeast.
— Reported by Nexio News
