NHRC Condemns Killing of Women Protesters in Adamawa
by George Ozalla
The National Human Rights Commission has condemned the killing of women who were protesting in Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State and called for an immediate independent investigation to establish what transpired and who should be held accountable.
The Commission’s Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu, said the incident was deeply troubling, especially because the protesters were women demanding protection for their communities which have experienced repeated outbreaks of violence. The Commission noted that the killings violated the right to life, dignity of the human person, and peaceful assembly guaranteed by the Constitution as well as regional and international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a party.
The Commission stated that the circumstances surrounding the protests and the reported shooting remained unclear and must be scrupulously examined. Local accounts indicate that the women had gathered around Rigange Junction to demonstrate against persistent communal attacks and what they described as the failure of security agencies to protect several settlements in the area. Some residents reported that multiple women were shot and that the fatalities occurred on the spot while others were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The Army has denied responsibility, insisting that its personnel did not fire at protesters. According to the military, troops were deployed to respond to renewed communal clashes in Lamurde and neighbouring communities, and the deaths were not linked to its operations. This version contrasts sharply with eyewitness claims, thereby heightening calls for an impartial inquiry.
The NHRC stressed that any loss of life during a civic demonstration raises serious concerns and should never be dismissed or explained away without proper investigation. The Commission urged authorities to identify all those involved in the shootings, including any officers who may have exercised command responsibilities at the time. It also called for compensation to families of the deceased and adequate support for the injured and their communities.
The Commission further appealed to both the federal and state governments to guarantee the safety of residents in Lamurde and other affected parts of Adamawa, reinforce lawful crowd-control standards for security agencies, and engage community leaders to address the longstanding tensions that fuel protests and violence in the area.
The Lamurde area has experienced intermittent communal clashes over land and boundary disputes, often resulting in displacement and loss of lives. Security agencies are frequently deployed to restore order, but tensions have remained high, prompting recurring street demonstrations by women and youth demanding firmer protection from attacks.
