At least 29 people were slain in Adamawa State, northeastern Nigeria, when a community football ground came under attack – with the extremist group Islamic State West Africa (ISWAP) claiming responsibility.
The incident happened in Guyaku village, Gombi Local Government Area, where villagers were watching a local football match when armed men attacked the area and started fire on them indiscriminately.
Over the course of the hours-long assault, eyewitnesses and local officials said, the attackers shot at bystanders, many of them young people, and torched homes, places of worship and motorcycles.
The IS affiliate in the West Africa region claimed responsibility for the attack in a post on Telegram but did not give any reasons for the action.
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri condemned the killings, calling the act a “affront to our humanity” during a visit to the afflicted neighborhood.
“Northeastern Nigeria remains a hot spot for insurgent violence, with IS-linked groups such as ISWAP and other armed groups still targeting civilian populations, security analysts say.
The new incident highlights persistent worries over insecurity in the region, which has been facing repeated attacks on rural villages by militant groups in the context of continuing military operations.
Authorities say they are working to identify the individuals responsible and stop any further attacks.
About the Author
