Relatives burying their loved ones
By Neba Jerome Ambe
At least 14 civilians, including women and children, were brutally killed in the early hours of Wednesday, January 14, 2026, after armed assailants stormed Gidado village in Ndu Sub-Division, Donga-Mantung Division.
According to an official statement signed by the Governor of the North West Region, Adolphe Lele Lafrique, the attackers, described as armed terrorists from Bui Division, invaded the village at about 5:30 a.m., firing sustained gunshots into homes and causing panic among residents who were still asleep.
The victims were killed in cold blood and include a 40-year-old man, six women, and seven children aged between two and eleven years. Ten other persons sustained gunshot wounds, among them two children who are currently receiving treatment at the Nkambe Regional Hospital Annex.
The assault also left widespread destruction in its wake. Six houses and two granaries were set ablaze, alongside one vehicle and a motorcycle. Eight motorcycles were reportedly stolen during the raid. A local mosque was riddled with bullets, while livestock losses were severe, with fifteen cows killed and seven others injured.
Adolphe Lele Lafrique: Governor of North West Region (Archive image)
Reacting to the tragedy, the Governor, speaking on behalf of the Government, expressed profound sympathy to the bereaved families and extended wishes of a speedy recovery to the wounded. He assured the public that the medical bills of those injured are being fully covered by the State, in line with government practice.
The Governor strongly condemned what he described as a “barbaric act” against unarmed civilians and called on the population to remain calm. He disclosed that Defence and Security Forces have launched a manhunt to track down the perpetrators, who will be brought before competent judicial authorities to face charges in accordance with existing laws.
In his message to the population, the Governor urged residents to collaborate closely with administrative authorities and security forces to help flush out armed criminal gangs still operating within communities. He also made a renewed appeal to armed youth who remain in hiding to lay down their weapons and embrace peace.
The Governor reminded them of the final offer of forgiveness extended by the Head of State during his inaugural speech on November 6, 2025, encouraging them to surrender and integrate into the National Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (NDDR) programme.
The attack adds to growing concerns over the persistent insecurity in parts of the North West Region, as communities continue to bear the brunt of violence despite ongoing security operations and peace initiatives.
