The House of Representatives on Wednesday strongly condemned the killing of eight unarmed women during a peaceful demonstration in Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State, as well as the injuring of over thirty others—some with life-threatening wounds and fractures.
At the commencement of the deliberation, the House observed a solemn minute of silence in honour of the deceased women.
The resolution of the House followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Hon. (Barr.) Kwamoti Bitrus Laori, Chairman, House Committee on Public Petitions.
According to the motion:
> “The House notes with deep concern the ongoing violent conflicts in Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State, which have resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property, and heightened tensions among communities already grappling with insecurity;
> Further notes that these disturbances are occurring at a time when the nation faces widespread insecurity from criminals, bandits, terrorists, and kidnappers—making it imperative to prevent an escalation in Lamurde;
> Disturbed by the killing of eight unarmed women, including a 13-year-old girl, by personnel of the Nigerian Military during a peaceful demonstration, and the injuring of over thirty others who are currently receiving treatment in Numan and Yola Specialist Hospitals;
> Worried that this tragic incident resembles previous occurrences in Dong, Kodomti, Lawaru, Nzuruwe, and Shaforon communities in 2017, where civilians reportedly suffered at the hands of security personnel without meaningful investigation, prosecution, or compensation—pointing to a troubling pattern of impunity.”
Hon. Laori condemned in the strongest terms the killing of unarmed civilians, describing it as inhumane, unjustifiable, and a gross violation of fundamental human rights guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
He emphasized that restoring public trust in security institutions requires transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to established rules of engagement. He further warned that failure to act urgently could result in deeper communal grievances, further loss of lives, and a breakdown of law and order.
Following extensive deliberations, the House:
Unequivocally condemned the extrajudicial killing of unarmed women protesters in Lamurde LGA;
Called for an immediate, transparent, and independent investigation to identify and prosecute all security personnel found culpable;
Mandated the Committees on Human Rights, Defence, and Internal Security to conduct a fact-finding mission to Lamurde LGA and report back within two weeks;
Urged the Chief of Defence Staff to direct all military personnel deployed in Lamurde and across Adamawa State to exercise maximum restraint, uphold professionalism, and strictly follow the rules of engagement.
The Committee on Legislative Compliance was also mandated to ensure full compliance with the resolutions of the House.
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