No fewer than 24 residents have been killed following an attack by gunmen on Kirchinga village in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

The assailants reportedly stormed the community on Tuesday, setting homes, shops and places of worship ablaze, while leaving several residents injured and others missing.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Amnesty International condemned the killings, describing the incident as “horrifying.”

The organisation noted that although Boko Haram has not officially claimed responsibility, the pattern of the attack and accounts from survivors suggest the involvement of the terrorist group.

Amnesty International said the village was littered with bodies in the aftermath of the attack, with buildings still smouldering hours later, while many residents remain unaccounted for. The group called on authorities to intensify efforts to protect lives and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

Reacting to the incident, the Adamawa State Police Command confirmed that the Commissioner of Police, Dankombo Morris, had visited the affected communities for an on-the-spot assessment.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Suleiman Nguroje, the commissioner led a team of senior officers to evaluate the situation, review security deployments and strengthen collaboration with other security agencies, particularly the military.

Nguroje said the police chief was received by the Emir of Madagali and the Chairman of the Local Government Area, where he held discussions with community members, including those from Shuawari Kirchinga ward.

He added that the commissioner commiserated with residents and assured them of the command’s commitment to restoring peace and enhancing security presence in the area.

The police spokesperson noted that the exact number of casualties had yet to be officially confirmed, adding that further updates would be provided as investigations continue.

Meanwhile, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has vowed that justice will be served for the victims, stressing that his administration will not succumb to fear.

The latest attack comes days after suspected Boko Haram insurgents reportedly killed three people in the Garaha district of Hong Local Government Area of the state, raising fresh concerns over security in parts of Adamawa. (Text, excluding headline: The Guardian)