Deadly Militia Raids Leave Adamawa Communities in Ruins

Panic spread across parts of Adamawa State on Monday as coordinated attacks by Chobo-speaking tribal militia left several Bachama communities in Lamurde Local Government Area devastated and dozens feared dead.

Residents reported that the armed groups moved in from creeks along the Gombe border and swept through settlements on the western flank, overrunning Tingno, Waduku and two nearby villages. Witnesses said the attackers set large portions of the communities ablaze before local youths mobilised to halt their advance toward Rigange.

A resident noted that the militia also attempted to push toward Lamurde town, the LGA headquarters, but were pushed back by local defenders. Despite this, Tingno and Waduku were described as “completely destroyed.”

The violence erupted only days after a fragile peace deal was negotiated between Chobo and Bachama groups, according to Dr. Jamila Suleiman of the Adamawa State Peace Commission. The renewed hostilities prompted Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri to impose a 24-hour curfew across Lamurde LGA, with security personnel deployed to stabilise the area.

The spokesperson for the Adamawa State Police Command, SP Suleiman Nguroje, confirmed the deployment and urged residents to remain indoors, stressing that the curfew was necessary to prevent further escalation. He added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Morris, had directed additional tactical units to enforce the order and secure affected communities.

Nguroje stated that security agencies would work jointly to deter further violence, assuring the public that officers were under instructions to act lawfully and avoid unnecessary casualties.