Fear has gripped residents of Hong Local Government Area in Adamawa State following fresh attacks by Boko Haram fighters, who stormed two communities and left a trail of deaths and destruction.
The attacks, which happened in the early hours of Wednesday, targeted the peaceful villages of Banga and Larh.
The affected area is close to Sambisa Forest, a known hideout of the terrorist group.
Locals say this is not the first time the insurgents have invaded their communities in recent months.
According to them, there have been at least four separate attacks since February, yet little has changed in terms of protection.
Six people have been confirmed dead, including a member of a local vigilante group who was killed by an explosive while trying to help secure the area.
Two men were shot dead in Banga, while a woman reportedly collapsed and died while fleeing the chaos. In Larh, two others were also killed, though details remain unclear.
Adding to the devastation, a police van stationed in Banga was destroyed by a bomb, though no officers were injured as they had already left the vehicle.
Residents say the insurgents often plant explosives to block security forces from following them.
A resident who witnessed the attack said, “We’ve lost too many people. Our homes are no longer safe, and even those who try to protect us are now targets.”
In a troubling development, a bomb that failed to explode was later discovered in Banga, sparking fresh panic among locals who are now urging authorities to send experts to remove it quickly.
Meanwhile, the disappearance of a young boy after the attack has left his family in deep distress.
His phone rings, but no one picks up, fueling fears that he may have been kidnapped — a common tactic used by Boko Haram, which has abducted thousands over the years, including the famous case of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014.
Despite ongoing claims by security officials that Boko Haram has been weakened, residents of Hong are seeing a different reality on the ground.
In February, a similar attack on Kwapre and nearby villages left destruction in its wake.
Frustrated by the repeated attacks, many villagers feel neglected by authorities. “It’s like we’re on our own. They come, they kill, and nothing is done,” one resident said bitterly.
So far, the military and police have not issued an official statement about the latest attack.
However, local sources say troops eventually responded, but only after the attackers had already fled and caused serious damage.