Geidam, situated in Yobe State, is the local government area associated with the former Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba Alkali.
Recently, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a faction of Boko Haram, previously known as Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād, launched an attack on Kwari, a town within Geidam.
Located approximately 177 kilometers from Damaturu, the state capital, and about 40 kilometers from the Nigeria/Niger Republic border, Geidam fell victim to this assault in the early hours of Friday.
Tragically, the assailants claimed the lives of several individuals, including the pastor of the Church of Christ In Nations (COCIN), Luka Levong, and thirteen other villagers, including the church treasurer, Maina Abdullahi.
Reports indicate that the attackers not only took lives but also wreaked havoc by burning down the church, numerous houses, and cars during the incident, which occurred around 1 am.
Disturbingly, the attack went unanswered, as residents recount that there was no effective repulsion against the assailants.
Residents who had sought refuge in their homes found themselves fleeing into the bushes as the gunmen entered the village, firing shots indiscriminately.
The aftermath of the violence saw 14 casualties, with the victims transported to the Specialist Hospital in Geidam for treatment.
Yobe State, situated in Nigeria’s Northeastern region, has unfortunately witnessed a series of brutal attacks, resulting in the tragic loss of thousands of lives.
Since the demise of the leader of Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād (JAS), Abubakar Shekau, ISWAP has been consolidating its influence in locations around Lake Chad.