Death toll mounts to 50 in Adamawa, Benue, and Plateau, as gunmen kidnap 23 students in Kogi

No fewer than 39 persons were killed late Sunday night at Guyaku community in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State by Boko Haram members, in a devastating attack that has thrown the community into mourning.

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The killings occurred on the same day a pastor, his wife, and two children were murdered by gunmen at Gako Village in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, sparking widespread outrage and condemnation.

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Also on Sunday night, at least 23 pupils and the wife of a school proprietor were kidnapped in an orphanage and school facility at Zariagi area of Lokoja in Kogi State, while a farm manager, Afolabi Ajayi, was abducted by gunmen at Imafon community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.

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Similarly, seven people were killed by suspected herdsmen at Channel One community, a border settlement along the Arufu–Wukari road in Ukemberagya/Tswarev Council Ward of Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, in a brutal attack that has left many residents fleeing their homes.

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The attack in Adamawa, which reportedly lasted for hours, saw heavily armed insurgents storming the village and unleashing terror on defenseless residents, killing scores, razing homes, burning places of worship, and destroying valuable property.

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A local leader, Aggrey Ali, of Kumo Gombi, described the attack as merciless, stating that the insurgents operated for an extended period, causing widespread devastation before fleeing, and leaving the community helpless.

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Adamawa State governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, who rushed to the area after the attack, described the massacre as tragic, barbaric, and completely unacceptable, and pledged intensified collaboration with security agencies to track down the perpetrators and prevent future assaults.

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The governor's visit was seen as symbolic and reassuring, as he promised immediate government intervention, support for victims, and renewed security surveillance in affected areas, in a bid to restore calm and confidence among the residents.

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In Benue State, the attack by suspected herdsmen has sparked renewed calls for stronger federal and state security cooperation to tackle insurgency and protect rural communities, particularly those bordering conflict-prone zones.

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A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attackers stormed the area in large numbers, riding on motorcycles and wielding firearms, shooting indiscriminately at residents, and leaving seven persons dead and several others injured.

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The Chairman of Logo LGA, Clement Kav, confirmed the attack and casualty figures, stating that the attackers killed seven persons and injured four others, and that he had already briefed security authorities on the situation.

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Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said the command was yet to receive official details of the incident at the time of filing this report, as the situation continues to unfold.

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In Plateau State, the killing of a pastor, his wife, and two children by gunmen has heightened tension across Riyom and neighboring Barkin Ladi communities, with residents calling on security agencies and the government to intensify efforts to halt the killings and destruction of livelihoods.

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The victims were identified as Rev. Ayuba Choji, his wife, Chundung Ayuba, and their two children, Cyril Ayuba and Endurance Ayuba, who were shot indiscriminately by the assailants, according to a community member, Martha Dalyop.

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The Publicity Secretary of Berom Youths Moulder-Association, Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the incident, stating that the latest attack showed that the assailants were now targeting relaxation spots, farming communities, and local vigilantes protecting rural areas.

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In Kogi State, the abduction of 23 pupils and the wife of a school proprietor by gunmen has raised concerns about the safety of schools and orphanages, particularly those operating in isolated areas without proper registration and security measures.

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Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the facility was operating illegally in a remote, bushy environment without registration with the state government and without the knowledge of relevant authorities and security agencies.

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Fanwo warned against operating schools and orphanages in isolated areas without proper authorization, describing such practices as dangerous, and urged operators to comply with safety regulations to avoid security risks.

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In Ondo State, the abduction of a farm manager, Afolabi Ajayi, by gunmen has prompted the deployment of tactical teams and additional security personnel to comb the surrounding bush and rescue the victim.

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The state police image maker, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the incident, stating that the command was notified of a kidnapping at Ilado, where a farmer was taken while working on his farm, and that all necessary operational strategies were being employed to rescue the victim.