Boko Haram fighters storm Madagali communities, kill 13 residents flee

Fighters belived to be Boko Haram have overrun Sheweri and Kirchinga communities in Madagali, killing at least 13 people and displacing scores of residents in a fresh wave of violence in northeastern Nigeria, reports are saying.

The late-night assault, described by local sources as highly coordinated, targeted the two agrarian communities in Adamawa State. The area forms part of the home axis of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.

Residents said the attackers stormed the villages on Tuesday night, firing guns and causing widespread panic. At least 13 fatalities have been confirmed, while several others reportedly sustained injuries. Many villagers fled into surrounding bushes and neighboring settlements in a desperate bid for safety.

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Madagali, a frontline local government area, has repeatedly come under insurgent attacks due to its proximity to the Sambisa Forest corridor and the volatile Nigeria-Cameroon border.

Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as women, children, and the elderly trekked long distances overnight to escape the violence. Numerous homes were left deserted as fear gripped the affected communities.

Efforts to get the security authorities proved abortive, as they are yet to release an official statement on the incident. However, sources indicated that security operatives have begun mobilising to the area, with investigations ongoing.

Residents are urging the federal and state governments to urgently reinforce military presence in Madagali to forestall further attacks and restore confidence in the troubled border communities.