Boko Haram Attack in Adamawa: Police Inspector, Seven Civilians Killed in Hong Community

Eight people, including a police inspector, have been killed after suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked Gaya community in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

The attackers reportedly stormed the community on Monday night, setting two houses ablaze before killing residents and the police officer, according to Hong Local Government Chairman Aliyu Sa’ad.

“The attackers came on the night of Monday and launched a bloody attack on two houses, burnt the houses and killed one police officer and seven civilians during the attack,” Sa’ad said.

The chairman said security forces had been deployed to the area following the attack. Military personnel, police officers, local hunters and other security operatives are taking part in efforts to track down those responsible and prevent further attacks.

However, the Adamawa State Police Command gave a lower initial casualty figure, saying five bodies had been recovered after the attackers left the area. Police spokesman Suleiman Nguroje said four of the dead were civilians while the fifth was a police inspector.

“We are still waiting for an update, since troops have been deployed with all the security agencies, including vigilante and hunters, to hunt for the attackers,” Nguroje said.

The police spokesman said further details would be released as the security operation continues and investigators establish the full extent of the casualties and damage.

The attack adds to growing security concerns in Hong, which has faced repeated violence linked to insurgent activity. Communities in parts of Adamawa have remained vulnerable to attacks by Boko Haram and other armed groups operating around areas close to the Sambisa Forest.

Sa’ad also said a proposed military barracks at Garaha, near a major route used by insurgents entering the Sambisa Forest, has yet to begin operations. Hong is also the home council of former Secretaries to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal and Boss Mustapha