A deadly assault on two communities in Adamawa State has taken a new turn after the extremist group ISIL, widely known as ISIS, claimed responsibility for the attack that left at least 29 people dead.
ISIL, also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, is a militant group that has carried out attacks across parts of Africa, the Middle East and other regions. The group frequently uses online platforms, including Telegram, to announce responsibility for violent incidents.
According to reports, ISIS said in a statement circulated on Telegram that it carried out the attack in Guyaku and Telabala communities in Gombi Local Government Area.
The violence reportedly erupted during a community football match held at a primary school, where youths and families had gathered for what was expected to be a routine event.
Residents said the attackers appeared to have chosen the moment deliberately, striking in the early evening when a large crowd was present.
Witnesses said the gunmen arrived at about 5 p.m. on Sunday and began shooting sporadically, causing panic as players and spectators fled in different directions.
A resident of Guyaku, Musa Guyaku, said youths from two communities had organised the football match when armed men suddenly stormed the area, opened fire, killed two people sitting in a hut and then set the structure ablaze.
Beyond the fatalities, the attackers were also reported to have destroyed property, including religious buildings, leaving parts of both communities badly damaged.
Survivors were seen fleeing with their belongings while grieving families mourned those killed in the attack.
Governor Umaru Fintiri later visited the affected communities after cutting short other official engagements, describing the incident as deeply troubling.
The governor said he went to assess the impact of the attack by what he described as criminal elements of Boko Haram and to reassure victims.
He confirmed that about 29 people lost their lives and pledged that the government would continue working with the military and other security agencies to improve protection for residents.
The traditional ruler of Gombi Chiefdom, His Royal Majesty Aggrey Bechour-Ali, expressed concern about possible insider collaboration, saying security warnings had earlier been issued.
He said there could be informants within the community and suggested the attackers may have taken advantage of the football gathering.
A visit to the affected areas showed burnt motorcycles, a destroyed church building and multiple casualties, while many residents continued to evacuate over fears of further violence.
