Boko Haram terrorists on Monday invaded Dhang community in Gaya District of Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State, killing at least five people, including a police inspector attached to the Gaya Divisional Police Headquarters.
The attackers also looted shops and forced terrified residents to flee into surrounding bushes during the afternoon assault, raising fresh concerns over the worsening security situation in communities bordering the Sambisa Forest.
The spokesperson for the Adamawa State Police Command, SP Suleiman Nguroje, confirmed the attack to SaharaReporters on Tuesday morning, saying five people were killed in the incident.
Nguroje said police personnel had been deployed to the affected community and were working alongside military personnel to restore peace and assess the extent of damage caused by the attackers.
However, local sources told SaharaReporters that three members of the same family were among those killed during the attack.
The terrorists were said to have emerged from the direction of the Sambisa Forest and stormed the community at about 3:00 p.m., operating in the area for some time before fleeing.
According to the sources, the attackers moved from shop to shop, looting medicines, foodstuffs and agricultural chemicals before escaping ahead of the arrival of security personnel.
Several residents reportedly fled into nearby bushes for safety while the attackers operated in the community.
Some residents were also said to remain unaccounted for after the attack, raising fears that the casualty figure could increase as security personnel and community members continue efforts to establish the whereabouts of those missing.
The attackers reportedly left the community before the arrival of military personnel stationed in Garaha, a nearby community that is the hometown of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.
The attack has heightened fears among residents who say repeated insurgent activities are threatening lives, property and livelihoods across the area.
Residents expressed particular concern about the impact of the insecurity on farming, warning that farmers may be unable to access their farms at a time when agricultural activities have intensified due to the rainy season.
They said continued attacks could further worsen food insecurity and economic hardship in communities already struggling with the consequences of insecurity.
The residents appealed to the Federal Government and the Adamawa State Government to urgently strengthen security operations around Gaya and other communities bordering the Sambisa Forest.
They also called for increased military and police presence in vulnerable communities to prevent further incursions and protect residents from attacks.
Gaya District is located close to the Sambisa Forest, a vast forested area that has historically served as a hideout and operational base for Boko Haram and other insurgent groups.
The latest attack has therefore renewed concerns over the ability of security agencies to prevent insurgents from penetrating vulnerable communities and carrying out attacks before security reinforcements arrive.