No fewer than 24 residents have been killed following an attack by gunmen on Kirchinga village in Madagali LGA of Adamawa State.
The attackers reportedly invaded the community on Tuesday, setting homes, shops and places of worship ablaze and injuring several people.
In a statement issued the same day, Amnesty International condemned the killings, describing the assault as “horrifying”. Although Boko Haram has not claimed responsibility, the organisation said the pattern of the attack and accounts from survivors suggested the involvement of the extremist group.
Amnesty added that bodies were scattered across the village after the raid, with buildings still smouldering hours later, while a number of residents remained unaccounted for. The group called on authorities to strengthen protection for communities and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
In a separate statement, Suleiman Nguroje, police spokesperson in the state, said the Commissioner of Police, Dankombo Morris, carried out an on-the-spot assessment of the affected areas. He said the commissioner led senior officers to review security deployments and enhance coordination with other agencies, particularly the military.
Morris was received by the Emir of Madagali and the chairman of the LGA, and met with residents of the impacted communities, including Shuawari Kirchinga ward. He sympathised with residents and assured them of renewed efforts to restore calm and strengthen security presence.
Nguroje told TheCable that casualty figures were yet to be fully confirmed and that further updates would be provided.
Meanwhile, Ahmadu Fintiri, governor of Adamawa, has pledged justice for the victims, stressing that his administration will not yield to fear.
The latest assault comes days after suspected Boko Haram fighters reportedly killed three people in Garaha district, Hong LGA of the state.