February 22, (THEWILL) — Fear and grief gripped Garaha District in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State on Sunday, after suspected fighters of the Islamist group, Boko Haram, launched a coordinated daytime attack that overran a military camp, killed at least three soldiers and a civilian woman, and destroyed key public infrastructure.
The assault reportedly occurred around 11:00 a.m. while church services were ongoing, as heavily armed insurgents advanced on the community from multiple directions, including the Dabna and Lar axes.
Eyewitnesses said sporadic gunfire rang out as the attackers closed in, catching residents off guard and triggering panic across the area.
According to accounts from the scene, troops stationed at the military base initially put up resistance and engaged the attackers in a fierce exchange of gunfire. However, the insurgents later ambushed the camp from the rear, overwhelming the soldiers and gaining full control of the facility.
Reverend Isaiah Yerima, an eyewitness, said the entire military base was eventually overrun and set ablaze.
“The military men were alert and began to exchange gunshots in an effort to repel them, but unfortunately the entire military camp was invaded and burnt down to ashes”, Yerima said.
He disclosed that three soldiers were killed during the ambush, while a civilian woman was fatally struck by a stray bullet as she attempted to flee the violence. The attackers were also said to have looted weapons from the camp, including an armoured vehicle, before torching remaining structures.
“As I’m talking to you, no structure is left at the military base except the Living Faith Church”, Yerima added, praising the bravery of the troops and appealing to Nigerians to pray for the affected soldiers who lost all their belongings.
The gun battle reportedly lasted for about one hour and 48 minutes, leaving the Garaha community and the wider Huba land in deep mourning. Residents said the attack was part of a pattern of persistent assaults in the area, raising renewed concerns over security in Hong LGA.
Confirming the incident, the Paramount Ruler of the Huba ancestral throne, Alheri Bulus, acknowledged the attack and said efforts were ongoing to gather full details of the incident.
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