Nine Women Killed During Peaceful Protest in Nigeria’s Adamawa State, Sparking Widespread Outrage
Nigerian Protest: A shooting by security forces during a peaceful protest involving women in Adamawa State, Nigeria, has ignited widespread outrage across the country. Nine women were killed on the spot after being fired upon by the military during the demonstration. This incident has raised serious questions regarding the conduct and use of force by security forces in Nigeria.
How the Incident Occurred
A group of women in the Lamurde area of Adamawa State were staging a protest on a major road, opposing the military’s failure to control communal clashes and their overall approach. At that time, a contingent of soldiers was passing through the area. Witnesses claim that the soldiers initially ordered the women to move aside, but when they refused, they opened fire. As a result, nine women died and ten others were injured. Local residents view this event as the latest example of military brutality.
Nigerian Army’s Statement
The Nigerian Army has denied any involvement in the incident. The army claims it did not fire on anyone and attributes the deaths to a local militia group that allegedly opened fire in the area. However, this statement contradicts witness accounts and family testimonies. Amnesty International Nigeria’s office stated that their investigation confirmed the shooting was carried out by the military, resulting in the deaths of nine women. Amnesty International refuted the army’s claims, citing witness and family statements.
Such Incidents Are Not New in Nigeria
Excessive use of force by security forces during protests in Nigeria is not a new phenomenon. In 2020, during the #EndSARS movement against police brutality, soldiers in Lagos also fired on protesters. A special investigative panel subsequently designated the event as a massacre. Human rights organizations allege that there is a severely weak accountability system for security forces in Nigeria, leading to the repeated occurrence of such incidents.
The Root of the Dispute
The protest in Adamawa was linked to escalating violence stemming from a long-standing land dispute between the Bachama and Chamba ethnic groups. Following repeated clashes, the local administration had imposed a curfew on the Lamurde area. Local councilor, Lawson Ignesius, representing Lamurde, stated that the protesters were angered by the security forces’ failure to enforce the curfew, which contributed to the continued clashes and growing public discontent. The women’s protest was a demonstration against this administrative lapse.
The Pain of the Deceased Families
Gyelle Kennedy stated that her daughter was also present in the crowd that was shot at by the soldiers. She explained that the soldiers were approaching from the direction of the previous clashes. She recounted that the soldiers initially fired into the air, but shortly afterward, they directly targeted the women with gunfire. The event has deeply traumatized the families and created an atmosphere of fear in the area.
International Concerns Raised
This incident occurred at a time when the Nigerian military is already under scrutiny by the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump recently expressed concerns regarding security crises in Nigeria, stating that Christians are being targeted and that security forces are not taking sufficient steps to prevent violence. Following this event, pressure on Nigeria from the United States and other international organizations may intensify. Human rights organizations are calling for a thorough and impartial investigation into the shooting and the prosecution of those responsible.
