Gunmen Kill 25, Burn Homes in Twin Adamawa Village Attacks

At least 25 people have been killed and dozens of homes set ablaze after gunmen launched coordinated late-night attacks on two villages in Adamawa State, residents and the state government confirmed. The deadly raids occurred in Kirchinga (Madagali LGA) and Garaha (Hong LGA), communities on the fringes of the Sambisa Forest, a known stronghold for Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

According to eyewitnesses, the attackers struck late Tuesday night, disguising themselves in military uniforms, which initially deceived residents into thinking the men were troops on patrol. In Kirchinga, the gunmen opened fire indiscriminately, killing 18 residents and burning homes. Villagers described a scene of chaos and terror, with many fleeing into forests and neighbouring towns for safety.

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In Garaha, gunmen on over 50 motorcycles stormed the village and attacked a nearby military base, killing three soldiers. Seven civilians were killed, including four shot while attempting to escape. A school building was also set on fire, leaving the community devastated and prompting many residents to flee to Mubi, the nearest major town.

The attacks highlight the persistent insecurity in northeastern Nigeria, the epicentre of a 17-year Islamist insurgency, despite sustained military operations. Analysts note the tactics used — military disguises, coordinated assaults, and targeting both civilians and security posts — are consistent with Boko Haram and ISWAP operations, emphasizing the need for improved intelligence, rapid response, and local protection measures.

Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri condemned the attacks as “cowardly acts of terrorism”, pledging that militants will not be allowed to undermine efforts to restore peace and stability. The governor assured that security agencies are investigating the incidents and that victims’ families will receive support and assistance.

Residents and community leaders described the attacks as devastating, with displacement, property loss, and fear gripping the affected villages. Security analysts warn that without enhanced military operations and community policing, rural communities near forest strongholds will continue to be at risk.

Gunmen Kill 25, Burn Homes in Twin Adamawa Village Attacks

Five Children Die, Eight Hospitalised After Ramadan Meal in Taraba

A tragic incident has rocked Taraba State following the death of five children and the hospitalisation of eight others after a case of suspected food poisoning in Takum, headquarters of Takum Local Government Area.

The Taraba State Police Command confirmed the incident on Wednesday, stating that the children reportedly fell ill after consuming suspected poisoned meat during a Ramadan lecture held in the town on Tuesday. The victims were said to be from three different families.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Victor Mshelizah, the children began experiencing sudden and severe illness shortly after the meal, prompting residents to rush them to nearby hospitals. Despite medical intervention, five of the children were pronounced dead, while eight others are currently receiving treatment.

Police authorities have commenced a full-scale investigation to determine the exact cause of the suspected poisoning, with detectives working alongside health officials to establish whether the incident resulted from food contamination, negligence, or deliberate poisoning. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious food items or sudden outbreaks of illness to security agencies.

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The Taraba State Ministry of Health has also stepped in, initiating medical assessments and possible laboratory analysis of the food allegedly consumed, as part of efforts to prevent further casualties.

Reacting to the tragedy, Jalingo-based human rights lawyer Bilyaminu Maihanci described the incident as heartbreaking and called on the Taraba State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, and relevant regulatory agencies to act swiftly, transparently, and responsibly.

He stressed that the affected families deserve justice, urging authorities to ensure a thorough investigation and accountability if foul play is established. Community leaders in Takum have appealed for calm as investigations continue, while mourning what residents described as a devastating loss.

As of the time of filing this report, the Taraba State Government had yet to issue an official statement, but officials assured the public that measures are being taken to avert a recurrence.

Five Children Die, Eight Hospitalised After Ramadan Meal in Taraba

African Virologists Elected to Lead World Society for Virology

The African Virologists Network (AVN) has congratulated two of its distinguished members, Prof. Marietjie Venter and Prof. Georgina Odaibo, on their election as President and Vice President respectively of the World Society for Virology (WSV).

In a statement issued on behalf of the Chairman of AVN, Prof. Theophilus Adiku, the Executive Council and the entire membership described the development as a landmark achievement for African science and a testament to the continent’s growing influence in global health leadership.

According to the statement, the emergence of the two scholars followed a successful global election process involving virologists from across the world. AVN noted that their election demonstrates that Africa possesses highly trained scientists with strong academic, research and leadership credentials capable of shaping global scientific narratives.

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Prof. Marietjie Venter, who holds a PhD in Medical Virology, is a Distinguished Professor and Research Chair in Emerging Viral Threats & One Health (EViTOH) at the Infectious Disease and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI) of the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa.

Her Vice President, Prof. Georgina Odaibo, also holds a PhD in Medical Virology and is a Professor of Virology at the University of Ibadan. A three-term Head of Department, she is currently serving with the World Health Organization (WHO) Nigeria.

The newly elected officers are expected to serve a two-year term from March 1, 2026 to February 28, 2028.

AVN expressed confidence that under their leadership, the WSV will strengthen global collaboration in virology, promote the One Health approach, and contribute meaningfully to the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The statement was e-signed by Dr. Abdul-Azeez A. Anjorin (MNYA), AVN Secretariat and Publicity.

African Virologists Elected to Lead World Society for Virology