MASSACRE AT PLAY: BOKO HARAM SLAUGHTERS 29 IN ADAMAWA FOOTBALL GROUND ATTACK

Boko Haram terrorists have killed at least 29 people in northeast Nigeria, a state governor said Monday, with locals saying the attackers targeted young people gathered at a football pitch, the latest bout of deadly unrest in Africa’s most populous nation.

The attack on Sunday occurred in Adamawa state, which border Cameroon, and is a hotspot for violence by jihadists and local criminal gangs. Communal violence over conflict for land is also rife in the state.

Residents said the attackers deliberately chose the moment when youths and families had gathered at the school for a local match, striking in the early evening and catching the community off guard.

Eyewitnesses recounted that the assailants arrived at about 5pm on Sunday, shooting sporadically and sending crowds scrambling for safety amid widespread panic.

A resident of Guyaku, Musa Guyaku, described the chaos that unfolded: “Yesterday evening, youths organised a football match between two communities, Zangula and another village. Suddenly, gunmen invaded our community and were shooting sporadically, killing two persons sitting in a hut and burning down the hut.”

Beyond the immediate loss of life, the attackers also destroyed property, setting religious buildings ablaze and leaving parts of the community in ruins. Survivors were seen fleeing with their belongings, while grieving families openly mourned loved ones killed in the attack.

Governor Umaru Fintiri visited the affected communities after cutting short other official engagements, describing the incident as deeply distressing and acknowledging its impact on already vulnerable populations.

According to the governor, he visited to assess the impact of the attack by what he described as criminal elements of Boko Haram and to calm the victims.

He confirmed that about 29 persons lost their lives and reassured residents of the government’s resolve to strengthen security in the area.

“We will continue to do our best because they are our people, and we will stand by them and ensure that government collaborates with the military and other security agencies to ensure that they are well protected,” he said.

For over a decade, Adamawa state has faced frequent attacks by Boko Haram terrorists and other armed groups.

In February, more than 24 people were killed after gunmen attacked Kirchinga village in Madagali LGA of the state.

The assailants reportedly invaded the community, razing homes, shops and places of worship, and leaving several people injured.

Amnesty International condemned the killings, describing the incident as “horrifying” and urged authorities to do more to protect lives and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.