By Emmanuel Kwada
In a chilling escalation of violence during the festive season, suspected Boko Haram insurgents launched their third deadly attack in less than a week on communities in Hong Local Government Area (LGA) of Adamawa State, leaving the villages of Mubang and Zah in ruins.
The latest assault, which occurred on Monday evening around 6:00 PM, claimed the lives of at least 14 people, with many more injured and scores displaced amid widespread destruction.
Local resident Mr. Abalis Jawaja, speaking exclusively to reporters, described the attack as a “mayhem” that targeted vulnerable civilians, including women, youths, and elderly men. “Suspected Boko Haram members rained terror on Mubang village, killing indiscriminately,” he said.
Mubang, located about eight kilometers from Garaha – a major town in Hong LGA – and the neighboring Zah community bore the brunt of the coordinated raid. Attackers set fire to numerous homes, rendering entire families homeless, while looting food items and other valuables.
Jawaja noted that residents have ventured into nearby bushes in search of bodies of those who fled during the chaos but did not survive. “Over 14 persons are feared killed so far, and the toll could rise as searches continue,” he added.
The incident marks the third such strike in the area within six days, underscoring the persistent threat from Boko Haram and affiliated groups like the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in this border region.
Hong LGA, situated in northern Adamawa and adjacent to Borno State’s notorious Sambisa Forest – a longtime hideout for jihadist factions – has endured over a decade of intermittent attacks by insurgents, bandits, and terrorist elements.
Earlier incidents during the Christmas period included twin assaults on nearby communities, such as Mayo Ladde and Garaha districts, where at least two soldiers and several civilians were killed, according to reports from security sources and local media.
Troops from Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with police and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) members, have been deployed to the area, with intensified patrols aimed at repelling further incursions.
However, residents express growing frustration over the lack of permanent security presence, allowing militants to strike and retreat with relative ease.
The Adamawa State Police Command has acknowledged the recent wave of violence but stated that situations in affected communities are being brought under control, with ongoing assessments.
This latest onslaught comes amid a broader resurgence of insurgent activity in Nigeria’s Northeast, despite military claims of degrading Boko Haram capabilities.
Human rights groups and analysts highlight the vulnerability of border communities, exacerbated by porous frontiers and ungoverned spaces near Sambisa Forest.
Displaced survivors are fleeing to safer towns, including Yola, the state capital, adding to the humanitarian strain in a region already grappling with thousands of internally displaced persons from years of conflict.
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s administration has yet to issue a fresh statement on the Mubang-Zah attack, but previous responses to similar incidents have included calls for federal reinforcement and support for vigilante groups.
As the new year approaches, communities in Hong LGA remain on edge, mourning losses and fearing more strikes. The persistent insecurity raises urgent questions about the effectiveness of counter-terrorism efforts in protecting civilian lives during what should be a period of peace and celebration.
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