Adamawa: Tears as Man Killed by Men in Military Uniforms

• Joseph Ardo was abducted at night by men in military and vigilante uniforms and later found dead with his throat slit
• The attackers, riding on nine motorcycles, included individuals identified by villagers
• Family members accuse local authorities of failing to provide answers and demand a thorough investigation

A man was allegedly killed by unidentified individuals wearing military and vigilante uniforms in Adamawa State’s Suktu district on September 6, 2025.

The victim, Joseph Ardo, was taken from his home in the Kuma community around 10:00 p.m. and later found dead with his throat slit, seven hours after his family had raised inquiries with local authorities.

The rising level of insecurity in Adamawa state has become a serious concern for residents, particularly those in rural areas.

According to reports, around 10:00 p.m. on the night of the incident, a group of six men dressed in military uniforms and 12 men in local vigilante uniforms stormed Kuma community on nine motorcycles and seized Mr. Ardo without giving any explanation.

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Among the vigilantes were individuals identified as Nuhu Adamu, Gundiri Sanda, Yunusa, and Mauludu (also known as Commander).

The abduction caused panic and confusion among family members and villagers.

Family accounts

Speaking to a Legit.ng correspondent, a cousin of the deceased, Mr. Phanuel Adamu, said:

"When they came and took my brother, I went after them and demanded to why and where they are taking him to and they told me to ask the district head of Suktu in person of Alh Abba Aliyu Dankinito, I should not contact the Gubu Yungur or the local government chairman of Song, so to avoid any prolonging issue, I allowed them to take him away."

The deceased’s younger brother, Mr. Ibrahim Ardo, added:

"I went to the district head's residence on Sunday morning at around 6 am to make inquiry on where my brother was taken to and why was he captured in such an odd hour, as I was told by the soldiers and hunters who took him away. The district head told me that, my brother was taken to the soldiers camp in Song, and assured me he will ask and find out what the matter was about."

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"Seven hours later, at around 1:00 pm, after I left the district head's residence, my nephew called me and informed me that my brother's lifeless body was discovered in a bush called Whata in Kuma village. On arriving at the scene, we discovered his throat was slit open as he bled to death. Up till this moment, no explanation was given, whatever."

He continued:

"We, the family of Joseph Ardo are seeking for justice for our brother, we are in deep pains and sorrow for this act committed. We call on the security to make investigations from the local community to the state level and arrest those who are responsible for this, we don't want to take the law into our hands by retaliating violently."

Traditional ruler calls for security intervention

The district head of Suktu, Alh Abba Aliyu Dankinito, said:

"We are calling upon the Police Command to intervene swiftly and come to our aid, we need to know who those soldiers are, and the rest of the hunters even though we are able to identify few among those wearing the hunters uniforms by name."

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"The entire Suktu community is in a devastating situation following the murder of Mr Joseph Ardo by unknown individuals and demands justice for him, and we offer our condolences to his family over this disheartening incident."

Girl abducted 11 years ago finally rescued

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Adamawa state Police Command, through determination, teamwork, and community partnership, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Dankombo Morris Falings, had made significant progress in the ongoing battle against crime.

The Command has successfully apprehended 567 suspects involved in various violent and exploitative crimes. This sweeping wave of arrests has brought hope to families.

Source: Legit.ng