Suspected Boko Haram terrorists launched a devastating attack on Dabna village in the Yadul/Dugwaba District of Hong Local Government Area, Adamawa State, from 10 p.m. Friday to 3 a.m. Saturday, April 18–19, 2025. The assailants, armed with heavy weapons and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), caused significant destruction, burning houses, destroying valuable properties, and hoisting their flag as a symbol of conquest, according to witnesses.
The attack follows closely on the heels of another assault just three days prior, on April 15, 2025, in Bangah, a suburb of Garaha near the Sambisa Forest in neighboring Borno State. That earlier attack resulted in seven deaths, with several houses and cars destroyed, highlighting the escalating frequency of such incidents in the region.
Sources indicate that Garaha, a larger community approximately three kilometers from Dabna, narrowly escaped a similar fate due to the swift intervention of military personnel, mobile police operatives, and local vigilantes who repelled the attackers. This response underscores the critical role of security forces in mitigating the spread of such attacks, though the persistent threat remains evident.
Dr. Raymond Chidama, a prominent Dabna resident and the Adamawa State secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), described the situation as deeply troubling. Speaking from Yola, the state capital, where he primarily resides, Chidama noted, “The attacks on these communities have now become a daily affair, bringing fear and terror into the remnants of people there.” He highlighted the mass displacement caused by the ongoing violence, with most residents having fled the area and little hope of returning soon due to fears of further attacks.
Hong Local Government Area, located in northern Adamawa, is one of seven LGAs in the state—alongside Madagali, Michika, Mubi North, Mubi South, Maiha, and Gombi—that have been repeatedly targeted by Boko Haram since the insurgency began in the region. The proximity of these areas to the Sambisa Forest, a known Boko Haram stronghold in Borno State, exacerbates their vulnerability.
The recent spate of attacks in Hong follows a pattern of intensified Boko Haram activity in the region. On April 15, 2025, the Banga and Larh communities in Hong were also hit, resulting in at least six deaths, one missing person, and widespread property damage, including the destruction of a police van. Just days earlier, on April 13, 2025, the paramount king of Hong, Tol Huba Alheri Bulus Nyako, vowed that his people would resist further attacks, reflecting growing community resolve to confront the insurgents.
The broader context of Boko Haram’s insurgency in Nigeria’s northeast reveals a persistent challenge. Despite claims from Nigerian authorities that the group has been weakened, recent attacks across Adamawa and Borno States indicate a resurgence. For instance, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum warned on April 9, 2025, of Boko Haram’s comeback, citing their ability to seize control of some districts. The group’s operations, often involving coordinated assaults and IEDs, continue to displace thousands and claim lives, with over 40,000 deaths and two million people displaced across the region since 2009.
The attack on Dabna underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures and community support in Hong and surrounding areas. Previous calls for establishing a military base in the region, particularly given its proximity to Sambisa Forest, have yet to be fully addressed, leaving communities like Dabna exposed to recurring violence. As the insurgency persists, the resilience of local populations and the effectiveness of security responses will remain critical in curbing Boko Haram’s impact on Adamawa State.
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