A police inspector and seven civilians have been killed after suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked Gaya community in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State on Monday night.
The attackers reportedly invaded the community under the cover of darkness, setting two houses ablaze before fleeing the area.
The Chairman of Hong Local Government Area, Aliyu Sa’ad, confirmed the attack on Tuesday, saying eight people were killed during the incident.
Sa’ad said the attackers targeted two houses, which they subsequently set on fire. “The attackers came on the night of Monday and launched a bloody attack on two houses, burnt the houses and killed one police officer and seven civilians during the attack,” he said.
Following the attack, security agencies were deployed to the community to track down the perpetrators and prevent further attacks. The military, police, local hunters and other security personnel are reportedly involved in the search operation.
The Adamawa State Police Command also confirmed the incident but gave a different preliminary figure from the local government chairman.
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The command’s spokesperson, Suleiman Nguroje, said the police received a report that five bodies had been recovered after the attackers left the community.
According to him, the recovered bodies were those of four civilians and a police inspector. “We are still waiting for an update, since troops have been deployed with all the security agencies, including vigilante and hunters, to hunt for the attackers,” Nguroje said.
He said the police command was awaiting further information from personnel deployed to the area and would provide additional details as the situation becomes clearer.
“If there is any new development concerning the attack, I will surely contact you for a detailed briefing,” he added.
Security personnel have intensified efforts to locate the attackers following the incident. The deployment of troops, police officers, vigilantes and hunters are aimed at tracking the suspected insurgents and securing the affected community.
The attack has heightened concerns over the security situation in parts of Adamawa State, particularly communities vulnerable to attacks by insurgents and other armed groups.
Gaya is located in Hong Local Government Area, which is also the hometown of former Secretaries to the Government of the Federation, David Babachir Lawal and Boss Mustapha.
Authorities are expected to provide further details on the casualties, the identity of the victims and the outcome of the ongoing search operation as investigations continue.
The Eagle
