Hanny Henry
Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have killed eight persons, including a police officer, during a deadly attack on Gaya-Dlang community near Fa’agaya in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State, raising fresh concerns over security and food production in the area.
The attack, which occurred at about 5:00 p.m. on Monday, also left several residents injured, while houses were set ablaze and food items looted by the assailants. The latest incident is the second major attack recorded in the area within a month.
Residents said the gunmen stormed the community, shooting indiscriminately and causing panic among villagers, many of whom fled into nearby bushes for safety. The attackers reportedly targeted homes, destroyed property and carted away food supplies before retreating.
Confirming the incident, Aliyu Saad Yerima, the Chairman of Hong Local Government Council, said eight people lost their lives during the attack, comprising seven civilians and one police officer.
“We have eight casualties among seven civilians and one police officer. Some residents also sustained minor injuries while trying to escape,” he said, adding that the remains of the slain police officer had been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Hong.
Yerima disclosed that all four women initially reported abducted during the attack had successfully escaped and reunited with their families.
According to him, the security situation in the affected community has since been brought under control following the deployment of military personnel to the area.
The council chairman noted that the recurring attacks in Gaya and Yadul districts are taking a severe toll on local livelihoods, particularly farming, which remains the main source of income for most residents.
He said widespread fear among farmers has forced many to abandon their farmlands at the peak of the farming season.
According to him, the affected communities possess vast agricultural land that attracts farmers from different parts of Adamawa and neighbouring states, including Gombe.
However, the persistent insecurity has brought farming activities to a near standstill, a development he warned could negatively impact food security in the region.
“The fear is enormous. Most of our peasant farmers have abandoned their farms because of these attacks. Even prominent residents who own farms in the area can no longer access them. This situation will seriously affect food production and food security for our people,” he said.
The latest attack comes less than a month after suspected insurgents raided Zah community in Yadul District on July 27, 2026, killing four persons, including a forest guard official, and abducting a middle-aged woman.
Yerima assured residents that the local council would continue to support the military, security agencies, hunters and vigilante groups in efforts to safeguard lives and property across the local government area.
He also commended the administration of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for its continued support in addressing security challenges in vulnerable communities, expressing optimism that ongoing security operations would help restore lasting peace.
The chairman further urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or individuals to security agencies, stressing that community cooperation remains crucial in the fight against insurgency and other criminal activities.
