Reps Order Probe Into Alleged Killing Of Women, Teenager By Soldiers In Adamawa

According to the lawmaker, the alleged killing of the women and the teenager occurred during what community members described as a peaceful demonstration.

The House of Representatives has ordered a full-scale investigation into the alleged killing of eight unarmed women, including a 13-year-old girl, during a protest in Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State, reportedly involving military personnel.

The lawmakers also issued a stern directive to the Chief of Defence Staff, urging all troops deployed in Lamurde and other parts of Adamawa to exercise maximum restraint, uphold professionalism, and strictly follow the rules of engagement as tensions rise in the affected communities.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the resolution followed an urgent motion of public importance moved on Wednesday by Rep. Kwamoti Laori (PDP–Adamawa), who raised the alarm over what he described as a disturbing escalation of violent conflict in Lamurde.

Laori told the House that the crisis claimed lives, destroyed property, and deepened community tensions at a time Nigeria continues to confront a wave of insecurity driven by armed groups, kidnappers, and terrorists.

According to the lawmaker, the alleged killing of the women and the teenager occurred during what community members described as a peaceful demonstration.

“The killing of eight unarmed women including a 13-year-old by personnel of the Nigerian Military during a peaceful demonstration in Lamurde LGA and injuring over 30 others, some with life-threatening injuries and fractures who are currently receiving treatment in Numan and Yola Specialist Hospitals is tragic.

“This tragic incident mirrors similar occurrences in Dong, Kodomti, Lawaru, Nzuruwe, and Shaforon communities in 2017, where civilians suffered at the hands of security personnel without any meaningful investigation, prosecution, or compensation, suggesting a troubling pattern of impunity.

“We condemn in strong terms the killing of unarmed civilians, which is inhumane, unjustifiable, and constitutes a gross violation of fundamental human rights guaranteed under the Constitution,” he added.

Laori condemned the alleged shootings, describing them as inhumane, unjustifiable, and a gross violation of constitutionally protected human rights.

He warned that failure to act swiftly could trigger further breakdown of law and order and worsen communal grievances already inflamed by years of insecurity.

In response, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas directed the Committees on Human Rights, Defence, and Internal Security to embark on a fact-finding mission to Lamurde.

The committees are expected to report back to the House within two weeks for further legislative action.

The House also mandated the Committee on Legislative Compliance to monitor implementation of the resolution, while lawmakers observed a minute of silence in honour of the deceased.