At least 27 people have been killed in a joint Boko Haram and ISWAP attack on Shuwari Sholi community in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The terrorists stormed the area in the early hours of Wednesday, shooting residents and burning houses in an overnight raid that lasted several hours. Among those killed was the village head, Bademi Papka, who was identified as a cousin of Adamawa State governor Ahmadu Fintiri.
An eyewitness said the gunmen rode into the community on motorcycles and opened fire on villagers gathered near the market square. “They started shooting at people sitting together under a tree near the market,” he said, adding that residents fled in different directions towards nearby mountains to escape.
He said some people managed to escape unhurt, but many were shot dead as they ran for safety. The source added that soldiers in the area were alerted but arrived after the attackers had withdrawn. “The situation is a bit calm now, but we are still living in fear and uncertainty. We are calling on the government to redouble efforts to address this menace,” he said.
Former Madagali Local Government chairman, Maina Ularamu, confirmed the incident but said casualty figures were still being verified. “Some reports say about 20 people were killed, while others suggest the number is higher. The exact figure will only be known once people have settled after the initial fear and chaos,” he explained.
In a separate incident in Ondo State, suspected gunmen attacked a Celestial Church in Uso, Owo Local Government Area, during an early morning service and abducted six worshippers. One victim later escaped from the kidnappers shortly after the incident.
Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Abayomi, said the attack occurred at about 12:50 a.m. on February 25 at a church along the Uso–Owo Expressway. He said security operatives, including police, soldiers and local vigilantes, launched a joint rescue operation after the incident.
Abayomi confirmed that one of the abducted worshippers has been rescued and that a suspected informant linked to the attack has been arrested and is assisting investigations. He added that efforts are ongoing to free the remaining victims and urged residents to stay calm, vigilant and support security agencies with useful information.
He also disclosed that a couple kidnapped four days earlier from their home in Ilu Abo, Akure North Local Government Area, had regained their freedom after a N5 million ransom was paid.
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