ISIS Claims Responsibility For Mass Attacks In Adamawa Communities Where 29 Persons Died
28th April, 2026 | News
ISIL Claims Responsibility for Adamawa Massacre; Death Toll Reaches 29
GOMBI, ADAMAWA STATE — A horrific attack on a community football match in Adamawa State has taken a grim turn as the extremist group ISIL (ISIS) officially claimed responsibility for the massacre that left at least 29 people dead.
The assault targeted the Guyaku and Telabala communities within the Gombi Local Government Area on Sunday evening, April 26, 2026. What was intended to be a routine match between local youths at a primary school turned into a scene of carnage when gunmen opened fire on the gathered families and spectators.
Details of the Attack
The attackers reportedly timed the strike to maximize casualties, arriving around 5:00 PM when the football field was at its most crowded.
- The Onslaught: Eyewitnesses described gunmen invading the community and shooting sporadically. “They killed two people sitting in a hut before burning it to the ground,” said resident Musa Guyaku.
- Infrastructure Destruction: Beyond the loss of life, the militants razed property, including a church building and numerous motorcycles, leaving the communities in ruins.
- Method of Claim: ISIL issued a statement via Telegram, a platform the group frequently uses to broadcast its violent activities across Africa and the Middle East.
Government and Traditional Response
Governor Umaru Fintiri cut short official engagements to visit the grieving communities and assess the damage. While the Governor initially attributed the violence to criminal elements of Boko Haram, the ISIL claim suggests a direct link to the Islamic State’s regional operations.
“We will continue to do our best because they are our people,” Governor Fintiri stated. “We will ensure the government collaborates with the military to ensure they are well protected.”
His Royal Majesty Aggrey Bechour-Ali, the traditional ruler of Gombi Chiefdom, raised a chilling concern regarding local complicity. He suggested that “informants in our midst” likely provided the attackers with intelligence on the football gathering, allowing them to exploit the lack of security at the event.
Current Situation
The affected areas remain in a state of mourning and fear. Survivors have been seen fleeing with their remaining belongings, as many residents evacuate the villages amid concerns of follow-up attacks. Security agencies have been urged to tighten patrols in the region to prevent further incursions by extremist cells.