29 Killed as Terrorists Storm Football Viewing Centre in Adamawa

29 Killed as Terrorists Storm Football Viewing Centre in Adamawa

No fewer than 29 people have been confirmed dead after suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked Sabon-Gari village in Guyaku District of Gombi Local Government Area, Adamawa State.

The deadly assault reportedly occurred on Sunday evening around 5:00 p.m. while residents had gathered at a local football field to watch a community football match.

According to eyewitnesses, the heavily armed insurgents arrived on motorcycles and opened fire indiscriminately on players and spectators, forcing residents to flee in panic.

A resident, Nimfas Bala, told Daily Trust that the attackers split into two groups and surrounded the community before launching coordinated shootings on villagers.

“I personally counted 29 bodies, while many others are still missing,” Bala said.

Residents said many of the victims were young football fans and players who were trapped during the attack. Several others reportedly sustained injuries, while some villagers remain unaccounted for.

During the invasion, the terrorists also set a church ablaze, destroying musical instruments, plastic chairs and other property within the worship centre.

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Witnesses further disclosed that at least 42 motorcycles belonging to players and spectators were burnt at the football viewing ground.

The attackers also looted several provision shops, carting away food items and valuables before fleeing towards the Sambisa Forest axis, a known insurgent hideout bordering parts of Adamawa and Borno states.

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, visited the affected community on Monday and confirmed the death toll.

The governor described the attack as “tragic and unacceptable,” assuring residents that security agencies would intensify operations in vulnerable communities across the state.

“My heart breaks for the people of Guyaku in Gombi LGA. This act of cowardice will not go unpunished,” Fintiri said during the visit.

He also extended condolences to the bereaved families and pledged government support for affected victims and communities.

The traditional ruler of the area, Aggrey Bechour-Ali, lamented that the attackers operated in the community for hours without resistance.

He called for increased military presence in border communities and warned that informants may be aiding insurgent activities in the area.

Gombi Local Government Area remains one of the most vulnerable parts of Adamawa State due to its proximity to the Sambisa Forest, where Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters are believed to maintain operational camps.

Meanwhile, the Islamic State reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack through a statement circulated on Telegram, according to international media reports.

The latest incident has renewed concerns over rising insecurity in Nigeria’s North-East region despite ongoing military operations against insurgent groups.

29 Killed as Terrorists Storm Football Viewing Centre in Adamawa