EYN President Condemns Killing of Four Farmers in Hong, Adamawa
The President EYN – Church of the Brethren in Nigeria, Rev. Daniel Y. C. Mbaya, Ph.D., has condemned the killing of four farmers in Bitirhuya village, Gaya Ward, Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State, allegedly by suspected Boko Haram gunmen.
The attack reportedly took place on Sunday evening between 5:00pm and 6:00pm while residents were engaged in farming activities. Three of the four victims were members of EYN, according to information provided by the church.
Rev. Mbaya described the killings as barbaric and expressed concern over the loss of innocent lives in a community where residents depend on farming for their livelihoods.
According to reports surrounding the incident, suspected insurgents attacked the farming community and killed four people.
The attackers allegedly set several houses on fire and took foodstuffs belonging to residents after the killings.
The circumstances of the attack have heightened concerns about the safety of rural communities in Hong Local Government Area, particularly farmers who need to access their fields to support their families and communities.
No independent verification of the attackers’ identities or the full extent of the reported damage was provided in the information available for this report.
EYN President calls for stronger security
The EYN President called on the Hong Local Government Council, the Adamawa State Government and the Federal Government to intensify efforts to protect lives and property.
He urged authorities to strengthen security measures in rural and farming communities so that residents can carry out their legitimate activities without fear.
Rev. Mbaya also appealed to security agencies to improve their presence and response in vulnerable areas.
“Residents must remain vigilant and security conscious, especially in areas where insecurity remains a concern,” Rev. Mbaya said.
He encouraged residents to pay attention to potential security threats and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
Condolences to families and Tol Huba Kingdom
Rev. Mbaya expressed sympathy to the bereaved families and the Tol Huba Kingdom following the killings.
He prayed for comfort for the families of the deceased and for peace and security in the affected communities.
The church leader also called on residents of Hong Local Government Area and Adamawa State more broadly to remain prayerful, vigilant and united amid continuing security concerns.
Message on the death of Bamanga Tukur
In his statement, Rev. Mbaya also commiserated with the family of the late elder statesman and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, and with the nation over his death.
He described the death of the former PDP national chairman as a significant loss and used the occasion to reiterate the responsibility of Nigerian leaders to protect lives and property.
According to Rev. Mbaya, the life and accomplishments of Bamanga Tukur demonstrated the importance of creating an environment where citizens can live, work and contribute meaningfully to society.
The killing of three EYN members among the four reported victims has particular significance for the church and the affected community.
For farming communities, insecurity can restrict access to farmland, disrupt livelihoods and create additional uncertainty for families already dependent on agricultural activities.
Rev. Mbaya stressed that the protection of citizens is essential to Nigeria’s development and stability. He urged leaders at all levels to take concrete measures to safeguard communities across the country.
The EYN President’s appeal highlights the need for sustained attention to security in rural communities in Adamawa State, particularly areas where residents depend on farming and other livelihoods.
As residents mourn the victims, EYN is urging communities to remain vigilant and security-conscious while calling on government authorities and security agencies to strengthen protection and response in vulnerable areas.
The church continues to call for peace, security and the protection of communities affected by violence, while encouraging residents to remain united and prayerful.
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