From Umar Dankano, Yola
Three soldiers and a civilian woman have been killed in a suspected Boko Haram reprisal attack on Garaha district, Adamawa State.
Reports indicate that the insurgents launched the deadly assault on Saturday at around 11:00 pm, approaching the community from multiple directions, firing sporadically, and overrunning a military camp in the area.
Survivors described the attack as coordinated, with the insurgents employing commando-style tactics through paths within the community, including the Dabna and Lar axes. During the exchange of fire, some local infrastructures, including a primary school, were razed.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers advanced rapidly, catching military personnel off guard despite their alertness and initial resistance. Isaiah Yerima, one of the survivors, explained that the troops “tried assiduously but were overwhelmed, resulting in the military camp being burnt beyond recognition.”
He added, “The military men were set and alerted and began to exchange gunshots in an effort to repel them, but unfortunately the entire camp was invaded and burnt down. The attackers ambushed the soldiers from the rear via the Lar axis, leading to the deaths of three military personnel. A civilian woman was tragically killed by a stray bullet while trying to flee the violence. As I speak to you, no structure is left at the military base except the Living Faith Church. The soldiers fought bravely but lost everything, including food, clothing, and personal belongings. I appeal to Nigerians to pray for the troops.”
The insurgents reportedly looted weapons from the overrun camp, including an armoured vehicle, before setting it ablaze. Locals said the fierce gun battle lasted approximately one hour and 48 minutes into Sunday morning, leaving the area in tension, fear, and uncertainty.
Confirming the attack, the chairman of Hong Local Government Area, Alhaji Usman Inuwa, stated that Garaha was indeed attacked, resulting in the deaths of three soldiers. He called on federal and state authorities to implement security strategies to ensure lasting peace and commended the military for their efforts.