House of Representatives Orders Investigation Into Alleged Killing of Women, Teenager by Soldiers in Adamawa
Nigeria’s House of Representatives has directed a comprehensive investigation into claims that military personnel killed eight unarmed women, including a 13-year-old girl, during a protest in Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State. The resolution was adopted on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, following a motion of urgent public importance raised by Rep. Kwamoti Laori (PDP-Adamawa).
According to lawmakers, the alleged killings occurred when women, described by community members as participating in a peaceful demonstration, were reportedly shot and injured by military personnel amidst escalating communal violence in the region. Laori said more than 30 protesters were wounded, some with life-threatening injuries and fractures, and are receiving treatment at hospitals in Numan and Yola.
The House condemned the incident as inhumane and unjustifiable, urging the Chief of Defence Staff to ensure that troops serving in Lamurde and other parts of Adamawa observe maximum restraint, professionalism, and the strict rules of engagement in their duties.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas directed the Committees on Human Rights, Defence, and Internal Security to embark on a fact-finding mission to the affected area and report back within two weeks to inform further parliamentary action. In addition, the Committee on Legislative Compliance was tasked with monitoring implementation of the resolution. Lawmakers observed a minute of silence in honour of the victims.
The incident adds to mounting concerns over recent violence in Lamurde, where clashes involving the Bachama and Chobo communities have heightened insecurity. Independent reports suggest that nine women were shot dead during the protest, while the Nigerian Army has denied responsibility, asserting that local militia gunfire caused the casualties.
Human rights groups and political figures have also called for impartial inquiries into the incident as part of broader demands for accountability and protection of citizens’ rights in volatile regions.