In a devastating overnight assault, suspected Boko Haram insurgents targeted Kwapre and neighbouring villages in the Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. The attack, which began at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, and continued into the early hours of Wednesday, February 26, resulted in the burning of schools, homes, and businesses, as well as the looting of valuable assets.
Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos and terror as the insurgents descended on the communities, setting fire to buildings and forcing residents to flee for their lives. “They came with guns and explosives, shooting sporadically and setting everything ablaze,” said one resident who narrowly escaped the violence. “We lost everything—our homes, our livelihoods, and even our sense of security.”
The attack has left the affected villages in ruins, with many families displaced and in urgent need of shelter, food, and medical assistance. Local authorities have yet to release an official casualty figure, but unconfirmed reports suggest that several people may have been killed or injured during the assault.
The destruction of schools has raised particular concern, as it threatens to disrupt education for hundreds of children in the area. “Our schools have been reduced to ashes,” lamented a community leader. “This is not just an attack on our present but also on our future.”
Adamawa State, which has been a frequent target of Boko Haram and other insurgent groups, has struggled to contain the violence despite ongoing military operations in the region. The latest attack underscores the persistent security challenges facing communities in north-eastern Nigeria, even as the government continues to claim progress in its fight against terrorism.
Security forces have reportedly been deployed to the affected areas to restore order and prevent further attacks. However, residents have expressed frustration over the perceived lack of adequate protection. “We feel abandoned,” said one villager. “The government needs to do more to protect us from these terrorists.”
Humanitarian organizations are mobilizing to provide emergency relief to the displaced families, but access to the affected villages remains a challenge due to the ongoing insecurity. Calls for increased security measures and support for the victims have grown louder, with many urging both state and federal authorities to take immediate action.
As the affected communities begin to pick up the pieces, the attack on Kwapre and surrounding villages serves as a grim reminder of the enduring threat posed by insurgent groups in Nigeria’s northeast. For now, the focus remains on providing relief to the victims and preventing further violence, but the road to recovery will undoubtedly be long and arduous.
