Gunmen have killed 16 people in separate attacks on communities in Adamawa and Benue states.
In Adamawa, 10 hunters and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) were killed in an attack on Kopre village, Hong Local Government Area.
Also in Benue, armed assailants murdered six people across two local government areas.
Adamawa
The gunmen attack in Hong LGA of Adamawa, which occurred around 4:00 pm on Saturday, April 26, 2025, also left one person injured.
Kopre village, which shares a border with the Sambisa Forest – a notorious Boko Haram hideout in Borno State – has long been a frequent target of terrorist attacks.
Since 2024, the community has suffered repeated assaults, resulting in the loss of lives and extensive property damage.
Notably, over 40 residents were abducted by insurgents more than a year ago.
According to sources, the Civilian JTF members deployed to the village came from Hawul Local Government Area in Borno State, while the hunters were drawn from various local government areas within Adamawa State.
They had been supporting security agencies in their efforts to combat insurgency in the area.
The victims were reportedly ambushed by insurgents wielding superior firepower.
In the wake of the attack, some residents of Kopre have called on the government to provide hunters with sophisticated firearms to enhance their ability to confront the terrorists effectively.
Nevertheless, they commended Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and the Midala of Hoba Chiefdom for their ongoing efforts to protect citizens.
Daily Trust reports that this marks the third attack on Kwapre village in 2025.
Meanwhile, the Adamawa State Police Command has deployed additional security personnel to Kopre village to bolster security and prevent further violence.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Morris, has charged the deployed officers to exhibit professionalism, responsiveness, and strategic talent in preventing all forms of violent crime.
Police spokesperson, SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje said the deployment is part of the command’s renewed action plan to tighten security across border communities, curb violent crimes, and apprehend individuals found in illegal possession of firearms.
Village head, 5 others killed in Benue
A village head, Dorugh Taki and five other people have been reportedly killed by armed invaders in separate attacks on two local government areas of Benue State.
Our correspondent gathered that both incidents happened on Friday night in Makurdi and Kwande LGAs respectively.
The killing of the six people brings the total number of people killed in Benue State by armed attacks this month (April) to 119 within just 27 days.
Witnesses said that the village head, Dorugh Taki of Taki village in Mbalagh Council Ward of Makurdi LGA was killed in an ambush by the armed invaders after Akpanaja while on his way to Makurdi town.
The deceased monarch, according to the witnesses, was riding a motorcycle with his son when they ran into the armed men.
The whereabouts of his son is still unknown because he was not found at the scene of the attack,” a witness said.
A spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, CSP Catherine Anene, had yet to respond to calls or a text message put through her telephone as at the time of filing this report.(Daily trust)
