Worries about insecurity are on the rise in Adamawa State, especially among rural communities, where many residents say daily life is becoming more dangerous. Reports from various villages echo similar concerns: people feel increasingly vulnerable as crimes ranging from theft to violent attacks disrupt their sense of safety and community trust.
A recent, highly publicized tragedy has brought these concerns to the forefront. In Demsa Local Government Area, on the 15th of May 2025, a beloved businesswoman and trader, Mrs. Goodness Isaac, lost her life in a violent incident that has shocked the region. According to the Adamawa State Police Command, Mrs. Isaac’s alleged killer is Mr. Abubakar Wanzan—a man who was well-known in the local area and, by several accounts, had interacted with Mrs. Isaac before the incident.
Businesswoman murdered in Demsa amid rising insecurity
Speaking in an interview, Mr. Isaac Urbanus, the late Mrs. Isaac’s husband, recounted the last moments he shared with his wife. He stated that their final conversation was via video call, which took place soon after she came back from her daily business at the market.
“I spoke with my wife on Thursday in the evening when she closed from the market on that faithful day the incident happened. I called her on a video call and after few minutes, I told her, I will call her back so that we can continue our discussion then she nodded in agreement. After 1 hour when I called back, her line was not connecting, I was so worried throughout the night,” he said.
According to Mr. Urbanus, events took a troubling turn later that evening. He described how his brother contacted him with the disturbing news that Mrs. Isaac had abruptly left their home after receiving a mysterious phone call—right in the middle of preparing dinner. The unexpected departure alarmed the family, prompting immediate concern and a search effort.
“On Saturday, I got an information that my wife’s dead body was found in the bush. When I received the call, I became very mad on hearing such,” he added.
Husband recounts last conversation and search for wife
Desperate for answers, Mr. Urbanus followed up on the suspected phone call by checking her phone records. His investigation pointed to a contact closely associated with Mr. Abubakar Wanzan, the eventual suspect in the murder case.
“I tracked my wife’s phone with the help of a friend of mine who was a police officer and on Monday, the result of the tracking came out.
Initially, we exchanged phone with my wife, she saved some contacts on her phone and after tracking I discovered a particular number that called her several times on that same day she went missing. I dialled the number on my phone and true caller showed me the name Wanzan Demsa,” he said.
Source: Facebook
Upon discovering the connection, Mr. Urbanus promptly reported his findings to the Nigerian Police Force. Law enforcement officials later apprehended Mr. Wanzan for questioning. During interrogation, police say that Mr. Wanzan allegedly confessed to the crime. “He confessed that he was the one that killed my wife,” Mr. Urbanus told reporters.
Despite this admission, Mr. Urbanus remains convinced that more than one person may have been involved, raising questions about potential accomplices or a wider conspiracy. He urged authorities not to close the investigation and called for a thorough probe to ensure that justice is fully served.
“Based on the way my wife’s body was cut into pieces, I believe that, he didn’t do it alone, because she was butchered. The police interrogated him, but he refused to call the names of the others,” he told
The suspect was brought to court, where the judge found Mr. Wanzan guilty and sentenced him to prison. However, Mr. Urbanus has since raised concerns about the role played by the prosecutor in the case, alleging possible irregularities. According to legal observers in Yola, such concerns underscore the broader challenges facing the justice system in Nigeria, where families often worry about the completeness and transparency of court proceedings.
“The main issue am having presently is with the prosecutor who is in charge of the case. He hasn’t been picking up my calls or that of my father and he has extorted much from us,” he said.
“There was a rumour on social media that showed the culprit was released from the prison, so, I had to confirm and I was told, it was just a mere rumour. Wanzan is still in prison.”
“I just want to know the reason why they killed my wife. It pains me so much that my innocent wife was butchered in such a manner,” he lamented.
Meanwhile, the Adamawa State Police Command has confirmed that investigations remain ongoing to determine whether additional suspects or accomplices were involved in planning or executing the attack. The Demsa community has rallied in support of the Isaac family, demanding justice and assurances that similar incidents will not go unpunished. Local leaders and advocacy groups have called on the government to address rising insecurity and restore faith in law enforcement mechanisms.
Over 500 suspects arrested in Adamawa
In recent months, Adamawa State has seen intensive police operations aimed at restoring public safety. Law enforcement officials report that more than 500 suspects have been arrested in Adamawa as part of coordinated efforts to combat insecurity and violent crime. According to a press release from the Adamawa State Police Command, this progress reflects a combination of strategic planning, community cooperation, and the leadership of Commissioner of Police Dankombo Morris Falings under the NOWAHALAZONE initiative.
Security analysts note that while these arrests are a positive step, true peace and security require both effective policing and the trust of the community. Dr. Hassan Abdul, a criminologist based in Abuja, commented, “The collaboration between law enforcement agencies and local residents is critical. Community members provide essential information and help build resilience against organized crime networks.”
Yet, challenges remain. Residents of Demsa and other rural areas express frustration over persistent threats, especially in places where police resources are stretched thin. Factors such as poverty, youth unemployment, and slow judicial processes contribute to an environment where crime can thrive. The murdered businesswoman’s case is a tragic example of the urgent need for reforms in security, legal processes, and economic policy to strengthen rural Nigerian communities.
Comparing Adamawa’s security landscape to other West African regions, Nigeria is not alone in grappling with rural insecurity. Similar trends have been reported in Ghana’s northern regions and in parts of Burkina Faso, according to data from the West African Security Network. Experts recommend cross-border cooperation and regional strategies to address the root causes of insecurity, such as improved job access, educational programs, and stronger law enforcement.
As the Demsa tragedy reverberates, voices from civil society urge greater accountability. Women’s groups, business associations, and youth coalitions are calling for more support for rural entrepreneurs, better protection for market traders, and greater investment in policing infrastructure. Community leaders emphasize the need for regular town hall meetings, open dialogue with police commanders, and accountability mechanisms for public officials handling security cases.
Globally, stories like this highlight the universal need for justice and safety. As Nigerians and West Africans watch the unfolding investigation in Demsa, many hope the outcome will inspire broader reforms and renewed commitment to protecting vulnerable people everywhere. According to social commentator Funmi Olaniyan, “The safety of our mothers, wives, and traders is the bedrock of community progress. It’s time for both the government and citizens to work closely together for lasting change.”
What more can be done to protect rural communities in Nigeria and across West Africa from rising insecurity? Should the justice system be reformed to ensure quicker, fairer outcomes for families affected by violent crime? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know what matters most to you. Follow us for the latest updates as this story develops.
