Crime

Adamawa B/Haram attack: SDP guber candidate condemns killings, demands swift security action

August 18, 2026

By Mohammed Ismail

The Governorship Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Adamawa State, Christopher Nathaniel, has condemned in strong terms the reported terrorist attack on Gaya-Dlang community in Hong Local Government Area, which allegedly left eight residents dead and six young girls abducted.

Nathaniel described the incident as a “barbaric and senseless assault” on innocent citizens, calling for urgent and coordinated action by the Federal and Adamawa State governments to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further loss of lives and property.

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In a statement issued by the Christopher Nathaniel Campaign Organization, the SDP governorship candidate said the reported attack represented a grave threat to the peace, security and dignity of the people of Adamawa State.

According to community sources and security reports cited by the campaign organisation, suspected Boko Haram insurgents invaded Gaya-Dlang in the early hours of Monday, August 17, 2026, opening fire on residents and setting houses ablaze.

The attackers were reportedly responsible for the deaths of eight residents, while six young girls were allegedly abducted and taken into the bush during the ensuing chaos.

Several other residents were also reportedly injured, while the violence forced families to flee their homes, further deepening the humanitarian concerns confronting communities in the area.

Reacting to the development, Nathaniel expressed grief and outrage over the reported killings and abductions.

“I am deeply saddened and angered by this wicked attack on innocent and defenceless citizens of Gaya-Dlang. No grievance, no ideology, and no cause can justify the killing of our people and the abduction of our daughters.

“This is not just an attack on Gaya-Dlang. It is an attack on all of Adamawa and on our collective humanity,” he said.

The SDP candidate urged residents across the state to remain calm but vigilant, stressing the importance of community cooperation with security agencies in the fight against terrorism and other forms of violent crime.

He appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and residents in affected and vulnerable areas to provide timely and credible information to security authorities that could assist ongoing operations and help prevent further attacks.

Nathaniel also extended his condolences to the families of those killed, the people of Gaya-Dlang, and the entire Hong Local Government Area.

He commiserated with the government and people of Adamawa State, describing the loss of lives and alleged abduction of young girls as a painful reminder of the urgent need to strengthen security across vulnerable communities.

The SDP governorship candidate consequently called on the Federal and State Governments and security agencies to immediately intensify security operations in Gaya-Dlang and other communities considered vulnerable to terrorist attacks.

He urged authorities to deploy adequate personnel and resources to the affected areas, secure displaced residents and make concerted efforts to rescue the abducted girls and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Nathaniel stressed that protecting lives and property must remain the foremost responsibility of government, insisting that residents of rural and border communities deserve the same level of security and protection as citizens living in urban centres.