Gunmen Kill 29 in Nigeria Attack on Youth Gathering

At least 29 people were killed in an attack by gunmen in northeastern Adamawa State, authorities confirmed on Monday.

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri said the attack took place on Sunday in the Guyaku community of Gombi Local Government Area, describing it as one of the deadliest recent incidents in the region.

Local residents said the assailants targeted a group of young people gathered at a football pitch. Witnesses reported that the gunmen stormed the area and opened fire indiscriminately, causing panic and heavy casualties.

“The victims were mostly youths, including some women who had gathered to watch football,” a resident said, adding that the attackers also set fire to houses, places of worship and motorcycles.

Officials said the attackers operated for several hours, leaving behind widespread destruction. Security forces have since been deployed to the area, and emergency response efforts are underway.

Adamawa has long faced violence linked to insurgent groups, criminal gangs known as bandits and communal clashes over land and resources.

The motive for the attack was not immediately clear, and authorities said an investigation is ongoing.