The House of Representatives has mandated an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the alleged killing of eight unarmed women, including a 13-year-old girl, by military personnel during a protest in Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The resolution followed an urgent motion of public importance moved on Wednesday by Rep. Kwamoti Laori (PDP–Adamawa). Laori alerted the House to what he described as a troubling escalation of violence in the area, resulting in loss of lives, destruction of property, and worsening community tensions.
According to the lawmaker, the victims were reportedly shot during what eyewitnesses and community members insist was a peaceful demonstration. At least 30 other persons were said to have sustained varying degrees of injuries, some classified as life-threatening, with many currently receiving treatment at Numan and Yola Specialist Hospitals.
Laori lamented the recurrence of violent encounters between civilians and security personnel in parts of Adamawa, recalling similar incidents in Dong, Kodomti, Lawaru, Nzuruwe, and Shaforon communities in 2017, where civilians suffered fatalities without resulting investigations or prosecutions.
He described the latest incident as “inhumane, unjustifiable, and a gross violation of constitutionally guaranteed fundamental human rights,” warning that failure to address the matter could further destabilise already vulnerable communities grappling with insecurity from armed groups, kidnappers, and terrorists.
“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 the injuring of over 30 others with fractures and life-threatening wounds, is tragic,” Laori told the House.
Following his presentation, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas directed the Committees on Human Rights, Defence, and Internal Security to commence a joint fact-finding mission to Lamurde. The committees are expected to submit their findings within two weeks.
The House further mandated the Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure strict adherence to the resolution. Lawmakers also observed a minute of silence in honour of the deceased.
Meanwhile, tension remains high in Lamurde and nearby communities as residents express fear and anger over the incident. The House issued a stern directive to the Chief of Defence Staff, urging all deployed troops in Adamawa to exercise restraint, uphold professionalism, and strictly follow rules of engagement as investigations proceed.
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