At least five people have been killed in a suspected Boko Haram attack on Gaya-Sikalmi and Gaya-Gartsanau communities in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Sources in the area said the attackers stormed the communities in the early hours of Monday, killing three residents in gunfire, while two others died when an improvised explosive device (IED) planted along the main access road exploded.
Several houses and business premises were also reportedly set ablaze during the attack, leaving residents devastated and raising fresh concerns over insecurity in the area.
The Chairman of Hong Local Government Area, Dr Aliyu Saad Yerima, confirmed the incident during a visit to the affected communities on Monday to assess the damage and sympathise with the victims.
Yerima condemned the attack and pledged to strengthen local security through increased support for vigilantes, hunters and security agencies to protect lives and property.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and called for collective efforts to combat terrorism, particularly by identifying and addressing the activities of suspected informants allegedly providing information to the attackers.
The council chairman also provided financial assistance to support the burial arrangements of the deceased and prayed for the peaceful repose of their souls.
Meanwhile, security analysts have attributed the vulnerability of the affected communities to their proximity to Sambisa Forest, which they say provides terrorists with access routes into the area.
The latest attack has renewed concerns over the security situation in Hong Local Government Area and the need for stronger measures to protect vulnerable communities from further attacks.
