Adamawa: Reps order probe of alleged killing of protesters by soldiers

By EricJames Ochigbo

The House of Representatives has directed its Committees on Human Rights, Defence, and Internal Security to conduct independent investigation into alleged killings of eight unarmed women including a 13-year- old during a protest in Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa by military personnel.

The House also urged the Chief of Defence Staff to direct all military personnel deployed in Lamurde and across Adamawa to exercise maximum restraint, maintain professionalism, and strictly adhere to the rules of engagement in the discharge of their duties.

The resolution by the House was sequel to the adoption of a motion urgent public importance by Rep. Kwamoti Laori (PDP-Adamawa) at plenary on Wednesday.

Moving the motion earlier, Laori who expressed deep concern on the ongoing violent conflicts in Lamurde Local Government Area, stressed the need to identify and prosecute all security personnel found culpable.

He said that the conflict had resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property, and rising tension among communities already burdened by insecurity.

According to him, these disturbances are occurring at a time when the nation continues to grapple with widespread insecurity caused by criminals, bandits, terrorists, and kidnappers.

The lawmaker said that it was imperative that the situation in Lamurde does not escalate beyond control.

“The killing of eight unarmed women including a 13year old by personnel of the Nigerian Military during a peaceful demonstration in Lamurde LGA and injuring over thirthy 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 said.

Laori emphasised the need to restore public trust in security institutions through accountability, transparency, and strict adherence to rules of engagement.

He said that failure to act urgently may lead to further breakdown of law and order, loss of lives, and deepening of communal grievances.

In his ruling, the Speaker, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, mandated the House Committees on Human Rights, Defence, and Internal Security to visit Lamurde LGA on a fact-finding mission and report back within two weeks for further legislative actions.

He urged the Chief of Defence Staff to direct all military personnel deployed in Lamurde and across Adamawa to exercise maximum restraint, maintain professionalism, and strictly adhere to the rules of engagement in the discharge of their duties.

The house mandated Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance and observe a minute of silent in honour of the deceased. (NAN)