Adamawa, February 25, 2026 — SUNTV Global Channel
At least 18 people, including a traditional ruler, were killed on Tuesday night after suspected Boko Haram terrorists launched a deadly assault on rural communities in Adamawa State, leaving residents fleeing for their lives.Local sources told SUNTV Global Channel that the heavily armed attackers stormed the Shewari area late in the evening, firing sporadically and setting homes ablaze during a prolonged raid that lasted several hours.Residents said the gunmen moved from house to house, killing indiscriminately.“They came with many weapons and started shooting everywhere. After they left, we counted about 18 people dead,” one survivor recounted.Police sources, however, confirmed that at least 17 people were killed in the attack.
Among those reportedly slain was the Village Head of Shewari, Ignatius Papka Bademi, who was identified as a cousin of Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.The attack struck both Shewari and neighbouring Kirchinga communities, where witnesses described scenes of panic as residents ran into surrounding bushes and nearby towns to escape the violence.
Several others were reportedly injured.The latest killings highlight ongoing security challenges in parts of northeastern Nigeria, despite repeated official assurances that insurgent activities have been weakened.In the aftermath of the attack, Governor Fintiri was absent from public engagements on Wednesday, according to Government House sources.
Officials said he did not attend scheduled activities, with aides handling state matters.His low visibility came amid growing outrage over the killings and increasing concerns about worsening insecurity in affected areas.Meanwhile, the Adamawa State Commissioner of Police visited the affected communities to assess the situation and coordinate response efforts. Police spokesperson SP Suleiman Nguroje confirmed that additional personnel had been deployed to prevent further attacks and reassure residents.However, many locals expressed frustration, accusing security agencies of reacting only after casualties had already occurred.As of press time, the state government had not released an official statement confirming the final casualty figures or outlining concrete measures to prevent future attacks.
