Tragedy in Hong: Boko Haram Strikes Again, Leaving 6 Dead, Child Missing, and Community Shatter

Tragedy in Hong: Boko Haram Strikes Again, Leaving 6 Dead, Child Missing, and Community Shatter

What began as an ordinary day in the usually peaceful villages of Banga and Larh in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State quickly turned tragic as Boko Haram insurgents unleashed yet another wave of violence.

On April 15, residents woke up to horror as gunfire and bomb blasts shattered the calm. Six people were killed in the attack, and a young boy is still missing — his phone rings endlessly, offering a haunting glimmer of hope.

Among the casualties was a brave local vigilante who lost his life when an explosive device detonated during an attempt to safeguard the community. His death is yet another blow to the community’s morale.

In Banga alone, two men were shot dead, while a woman died in a stampede as villagers scrambled for safety. Nearby Larh also recorded two more deaths, although details remain sketchy. The attackers didn’t stop there — a police patrol van stationed in Banga was reduced to rubble by a bomb blast. Fortunately, the officers had exited the vehicle moments before the explosion

“These people [Boko Haram] keep coming back. We’re losing our brothers, sisters, and even those who volunteer to protect us,” one grieving resident shared, requesting anonymity. “We don’t know who’s next.”

As if the carnage wasn’t enough, an unexploded bomb was later discovered in Banga, sparking fear and urging the need for bomb disposal teams to step in swiftly.

The disappearance of the young boy has particularly struck a nerve. “His phone is still ringing, but no one is picking. We’re scared,” a resident said, alluding to the pattern of abductions often employed by Boko Haram — a tactic the group has used for years, including the infamous kidnapping of the Chibok girls in 2014.

This assault follows a similar attack in February 2025 on Kwapre and other nearby communities, highlighting the insurgents’ unrelenting presence in the region, despite military claims of their decline.

Many in the area feel forgotten. “We’re on our own here,” a resident lamented. “Security forces come late — after the damage has been done.”

As of now, the Nigerian military and police are yet to release an official statement. However, local sources confirm that troops eventually responded to the crisis, though not in time to prevent the deaths and destruction.

With the destruction of security infrastructure like the Garaha police van and growing fear among villagers, this latest attack has left the communities more vulnerable than ever.

The incident also comes at a time when Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno has raised the alarm over Boko Haram’s renewed activities across the Northeast, warning of a dangerous resurgence that could undo years of counterinsurgency efforts.

For the people of Banga and Larh, the trauma lingers — and the hope for lasting peace feels more distant than ever.