#Africa #Nigeria – Another anti-Christian terror attack took place on the evening of Sunday, April 26, 2026, in Guyaku village, Gombi Local Government Area, Adamawa State, northeastern Nigeria.
Gunmen stormed the community during a community football match at a primary school field between local teams. Spectators, players, and families had gathered, making it a crowded target. The assault lasted several hours, with attackers shooting sporadically, killing people, burning structures and a church, and causing widespread destruction.
The state confirmed reports of at least 29 people killed. Victims included civilians watching or participating in the match. Houses, a church, motorcycles, and other property were burned.
Islamic State (ISIL) claimed responsibility via a statement on Telegram. They referenced attacks on Guyaku and nearby Telabala communities. There are two main ISIL-affiliated groups active in Nigeria (often linked to or splintered from Boko Haram), but it wasn’t immediately clear which one carried it out. Some reports initially described the perpetrators as suspected Boko Haram elements.
ISWAP (an ISIL affiliate) stated it “killed at least 25 Christians” and “torched a church and nearly 100 motorcycles” in Guyaku (also referred to as part of a Christian community in reports). This framing in their propaganda highlights religious targeting rather than purely random or economic motives.
Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri visited the site on Monday, April 27, expressing heartbreak: “My heart breaks for the people of Guyaku… This act of cowardice is an affront to our humanity and will not go unpunished.” He pledged support for military and vigilante operations. The traditional ruler of Gombi raised concerns about possible local informants (“sons of the soil”) who may have tipped off the attackers despite prior warnings.
This incident occurred on the same day as a separate attack on an orphanage elsewhere in north-central Nigeria, where 23 children were kidnapped (15 later rescued).
Northeastern Nigeria has faced ongoing violence from jihadist groups like Boko Haram and ISIL affiliates for years. These attacks often target civilians, places of worship, schools, and gatherings. Christians in the region have been disproportionately affected in many documented cases, though Nigerian authorities emphasize that victims include people of all faiths.
Image: Governor Fintiri and officials walking through Guyaku after the attack, surveying destruction.
