By Francis Ajuonuma
No fewer than 29 persons were killed on Sunday after gunmen attacked Guyaku and Telabala communities in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State, while in Kogi State, armed men abducted 23 pupils and the wife of a school proprietor from an illegally operated school facility in Zariagi, Lokoja.
The fresh wave of violence across the states has heightened concerns over worsening insecurity, even as Kaduna State Police Command announced the arrest of 30 suspected kidnappers, gunrunners and other criminal elements in an intensified crackdown.
In Adamawa, witnesses said the attackers stormed Guyaku community during a football match at a primary school field around 5 p.m., opening fire sporadically and throwing residents into panic. Religious buildings, motorcycles and homes were also set ablaze.
A resident, Musa Guyaku, recounted the horror, saying, “Yesterday evening, youths organised a football match between two communities. Suddenly, gunmen invaded our community and were shooting sporadically, killing people and burning property.”
*Fintiri visits affected communities after deadly attack
Adamawa State Governor, Umaru Fintiri, who cut short official engagements to visit the affected communities, described the killings as “heart-breaking” and linked the attackers to Boko Haram elements.
“We will continue to do our best because they are our people, and we will stand by them and ensure that the government collaborates with the military and other security agencies to ensure that they are well protected,” Fintiri said during an on-the-spot assessment.
The governor confirmed that about 29 people lost their lives and assured residents of strengthened security measures to prevent further attacks.
Traditional ruler of Gombi Chiefdom, His Royal Majesty Aggrey Bechour-Ali, disclosed that security agencies had earlier warned residents against large gatherings during Sallah due to looming threats.
“There are informants in our midst who may even be sons of the soil,” the monarch said.
Meanwhile, in Kogi State, gunmen attacked Dahallukitab Group of Schools, an unregistered orphanage and educational facility located in a remote area of Zariagi, abducting 23 pupils and the wife of the proprietor.
Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said security operatives swiftly intervened, rescuing 15 of the victims, while efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the remaining eight.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the facility was operating illegally in a remote, bushy environment without registration with the state government and without the knowledge of relevant authorities,” Fanwo said.
He warned against operating vulnerable institutions outside approved frameworks, noting that such actions expose children to grave security dangers.
“Operation of orphanages, schools, and similar institutions in isolated and vulnerable locations, without proper registration and notification to relevant authorities, poses serious security risks,” he added.
*Kaduna police arrest 30 suspected kidnappers, gunrunners in crackdown
In Kaduna, however, security agencies recorded significant progress as police arrested 30 suspected kidnappers, four gunrunners and several car theft suspects in coordinated operations across the state.
Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, said the command remained committed to dismantling criminal networks.
“We remain resolute in making Kaduna State unsafe for criminals and safe for law-abiding citizens,” Muhammad stated.
He said police recovered multiple firearms, ammunition and stolen vehicles, while also rescuing kidnap victims and disrupting interstate criminal syndicates.
