Terrorists attack Dabna community in Adamawa, destroy properties, hoist flag

Suspected Boko Haram terrorists unleashed terror on Dabna village in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State late Friday night, leaving a trail of destruction and fear among residents.

The attack, which witnesses say lasted from around 10 p.m. Friday until about 3 a.m. Saturday saw the terrorists’ storm Dabna in the Yadul/Dugwaba District armed with an array of dangerous weapons and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

According to local accounts, the insurgents occupied the community, setting ablaze houses, destroying valuable properties, and hoisting their flag as a symbol of conquest.

Sources within the area indicated that Garaha, a larger community just three kilometres from Dabna, was also at significant risk. However, the intervention of Nigerian military forces, mobile police operatives, and local vigilantes successfully repelled the attackers before they could extend their assault.

The latest invasion comes merely three days after Bangah, a suburb of Garaha situated close to the notorious Sambisa forest in neighbouring Borno State, suffered a deadly attack. That earlier raid resulted in the deaths of seven individuals and the destruction of several houses and vehicles.

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Dr Raymond Chidama, the Adamawa State Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a prominent indigene of Dabna, decried the situation, describing the growing insecurity as alarming.

Speaking from Yola, the state capital where he predominantly resides, Chidama lamented: “The attacks on these communities have now become a daily affair, bringing fear and terror into the remnants of people there.

He further revealed that many of Dabna’s residents have since fled, abandoning their homes and possessions out of fear of further violence, with little hope of returning anytime soon.

Hong Local Government Area, located in northern Adamawa, has long been a hotspot of Boko Haram activity. It remains one of the seven LGAs in the state — along with Madagali, Michika, Mubi North, Mubi South, Maiha, and Gombi — that have borne the brunt of insurgent violence since the onset of the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast.

The latest incident underscores the persistent threat posed by the terrorist group, despite ongoing efforts by security forces to restore peace to the region.