Armed militants linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) launched a brutal assault on communities in Adamawa State, killing at least 18 people and causing widespread destruction in the early hours of Tuesday night.
The attacks struck Kirchinga and nearby agrarian settlements in Madagali Local Government Area, a region close to the Sambisa Forest — a known stronghold for Islamist insurgents — and part of Governor **Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s political home base. Residents said the fighters arrived under the cover of darkness, firing indiscriminately and shooting villagers as they fled into surrounding bushland to escape the violence.
Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos, with a number of homes, shops and public buildings set ablaze as terrified families fled. Local accounts indicate that women, children and the elderly were among those killed or wounded as villages were ransacked.
Among the confirmed fatalities is the newly appointed village head of Kirchinga, while others remain missing and a number are critically injured.
In response to the violence, Governor Fintiri condemned the attack in strong terms, calling it a senseless act of terror and pledging that his administration will pursue justice for the victims. He urged residents to remain calm and continue their daily lives, while assuring them of the government’s commitment to restoring security.
Fintiri also reiterated his support for security forces, emphasizing ongoing cooperation with national agencies to track down perpetrators and bring them to account. “We will not let terrorists undermine our efforts to restore peace and stability,” he said, adding that collective action is essential to overcoming the insurgent threat.
