Boko Haram strikes in Madagali Adamawa State, kills 5, kidnaps residents

About 5 people were feared dead and others kidnapped during a recent attack by Boko Haram on Pallam community in Madagali local government area of Adamawa, local officers and residents have said.

The attack came barely a week after the terrorists launched an identical attack on neighbouring Wanu, Kamale and Kafin Hausa communities of Michika and Madagali areas.

Pallam is the town of the Deputy Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Tsamdu.

Fleeing residents said the onslaught lasted for about 5 hours.

“They sneaked into our town Pallam, midnight at about 11:00pm, and commenced shooting sporadically, killing and burning houses. They (Boko Haram) kidnapped a number of our people, mostly men.

“I escaped by the whiskers and fled into a nearby hiding place before escaping; no soldier came to our rescue. For now, I can’t tell the precise figures of the casualty. it was terrible!,’’ a fleeing resident, Abamu Japhet, said.

Confirming the night attack, a member representing Madagali, Michika at the House of Representatives, Adamu Kamale, same the terrorists “killed even farm animal, looted and burnt many homes.”

“I got a distress call that that they had, again, launched an evening attack at Pallam. As I speak, the casualty figures is yet to be determined, however they killed and kidnapped people and burnt homes. Even before this attack, the terrorists had earlier looted Wanu, Kamale and Kafin Hausa communities. In fact, hardly a day will pass without attack, let the government wake up.

“We wish President Muhammadu Buhari to visit us and see the ugly situation being meted on our communities,’’ he said.

On his part, Madagali council Chairman, Mohammed Yusuf, said the gunmen stormed the village and “burned down homes and shops belonging to returnee Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), our people. Madagali is the only state bordering Borno, that's why we are vulnerable to attacks. in the process, they killed 3 people,” he said.

Yusuf called on the federal and state governments “to intensify efforts in addressing the security state of affairs. The military is doing their best, however they're not doing enough…The border is porous…”

When contacted yesterday afternoon, Police spokesperson in the state, Othman Abubakar, said he was yet to be briefed on the development.

“I am yet to get details of the attack, but i will get back to you later,” he said.

Also commenting, administrative Officer of Hunters Association in Madagali local government area, Mallam Bakura Madagali, said 3 villagers were killed, one injured, while 2 Boko Haram members were also killed.