Gunmen Kill Anglican Priest in Adamawa Attack

Gunmen have killed an Anglican priest, Emmanuel Ezeokwe, during a midnight attack in Zinai community, Song Local Government Area of Adamawa State on Tuesday, raising fresh concerns over insecurity in rural areas.

The Adamawa State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that the attack was reported around 6:30 a.m. by a resident. According to the police, the assailants stormed the community at about 12:48 a.m. and shot the cleric inside his residence.

Officers who responded to the scene rushed the victim to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead. His body has since been deposited in a morgue. Police also recovered three empty AK-47 shells at the scene.

The Commissioner of Police, Kabir Hassan, has ordered a full investigation into the incident, directing the State Criminal Investigation Department to take over the case. Tactical teams have also been deployed to track down the attackers.

Reacting to the killing, the Archbishop of Yola Diocese, Markus Ibrahim, described the incident as a major loss to the church and urged residents to remain calm.

The attack adds to a growing wave of violence in Adamawa State, especially in rural communities close to the Sambisa Forest axis. In February 2026, at least 25 people were killed in coordinated attacks in Madagali and Hong local government areas, with homes destroyed and many residents displaced.

Reports indicate that attackers often operate in groups, sometimes arriving on motorcycles and wearing military-style clothing, targeting multiple locations including security facilities.

Security experts have attributed the recurring attacks to challenges in rural policing, weak intelligence systems, and delayed response by security forces, particularly in hard-to-reach communities near the Cameroon border.

Read also: Fintiri Unveils ₦40,000 Education Grant for 24,000 Out-of-School Girls in Adamawa

The latest killing highlights ongoing security challenges in Adamawa, with residents expressing growing fear as attacks continue to affect vulnerable rural communities.