The organization has claimed responsibility for violent attacks using internet channels such as Telegram.
A fatal attack on two communities in Adamawa State has taken on new dimensions when the extremist group ISIL, better known as ISIS, claimed responsibility for the assault, which killed at least 29 people.
ISIL (short for the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant), often known as ISIS (the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), is a militant jihadist group that has carried out attacks in Africa, the Middle East, and beyond.
The organization has claimed responsibility for violent attacks using internet channels such as Telegram.
According to Aljazeera, in a Telegram statement, ISIL (ISIS) claimed responsibility for the attack in the Guyaku and Telabala towns in Gombi Local Government Area, where what began as a routine football match at a primary school turned into a scene of mayhem with many casualties.
Earlier reports suggested that the incident took place during a community football event attended by youths and families.
Residents stated the attackers purposely chose a time when a huge crowd had assembled, striking in the early evening and caught the town off surprise.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers arrived about 5 p.m. on Sunday, shooting sporadically and causing panic as spectators and players fled for safety.
Musa Guyaku, a Guyaku local, recounted the incident as follows: “On yesterday evening, youngsters planned a football competition between two communities, Zangula and another hamlet. Suddenly, gunmen entered our neighbourhood and began shooting randomly, murdering two people sitting in a hut and burning it down.”
Aside from the immediate loss of life, the assailants reportedly destroyed property, including religious structures, leaving parts of the villages in ruins. Survivors were spotted escaping with their things, while families lamented the deaths.
Governor Umaru Fintiri visited the affected towns after cancelling other important commitments, calling the situation as very upsetting and acknowledged its impact on inhabitants.
According to the governor, he went to examine the impact of the attack by what he described as Boko Haram criminals and to console victims.
He revealed that about 29 people died and assured locals that the administration is determined to increase security.
“We will continue to do our best because they are our people, and we will stand by them and ensure that government collaborates with the military and other security agencies to ensure that they are well protected,” he said.
The traditional ruler of Gombi Chiefdom, His Royal Majesty Aggrey Bechour-Ali, raised concerns about possible insider involvement, noting that prior security warnings had been issued.
“There are informants in our midst who may even be sons of the soil,” he said, adding that the attackers appeared to have exploited the football gathering.
A tour of the impacted neighbourhoods revealed burnt motorcycles, a demolished church building, and numerous casualties, while residents continued to escape due to worries of additional attacks.