At least 18 residents were killed in a violent assault by suspected insurgents on Kirchinga community in Madagali Local Government Area, Adamawa State.

Local reports indicate that attackers invaded the community late Monday night, firing indiscriminately and setting homes on fire. Several residents remain missing, and a number of houses were destroyed during the attack.

Adamawa Governor Ahmadu Fintiri visited the affected area on Tuesday to assess the damage and console the families of the victims. He strongly condemned the killings, calling them a deliberate act of terror targeting innocent citizens, and pledged increased security measures to prevent further attacks.

“We will not allow criminal elements to destabilise our communities. Security agencies have been directed to sustain pressure on the perpetrators,” the governor said.

Residents reported widespread panic, with many families fleeing to neighbouring communities for safety. As of now, security authorities have not released an official statement confirming casualty figures or any arrests related to the attack in Madagali or Hong local governments.

Madagali, situated in northern Adamawa State, has a history of repeated insurgent attacks due to its proximity to areas formerly occupied by Boko Haram fighters.