Amnesty International has called for a transparent and impartial investigation into the alleged killing of nine women during a protest in Lamorde Local Government Area of Adamawa State. The human rights group blamed the deaths on what it described as the military’s unlawful and excessive use of force.
In a statement posted on X on Tuesday, Amnesty said the military opened fire on women protesters using live ammunition without any prior warning. “The Nigerian military’s response to a demonstration by firing live ammunition without warning is unlawful,” the statement read.
According to the rights group, several other women were injured after being shot in different parts of their bodies. Amnesty described the incident as horrific, saying it reflects a dangerous pattern in how security forces handle civilian protests in Nigeria.
“The continuous failure to investigate such gross human rights violations is fueling a dangerous disdain for the sanctity of human life in Nigeria,” Amnesty said.
The Lamorde incident occurred amid rising tensions between the Bachama and Chobo communities in Adamawa State. The dispute reportedly started over land disagreements and the theft of a motorcycle, but it quickly escalated into a violent conflict.
Amnesty International criticized the Nigerian government’s handling of the growing ethnic conflict, calling the response “totally inadequate, too slow and ineffective.” The group noted that even when security agencies intervene, their approach often causes more harm than good.
“In cases where the Nigerian security agencies did respond to communal violence, as it happened in Lamorde LGA on Monday 8 December 2025, they use excessive or unlawful force resulting in even more deaths and destruction,” the organisation said.
The use of live ammunition against unarmed women protesters has sparked outrage among civil society groups, local leaders, and human rights activists. Many observers argue that the military’s actions violated both national and international laws regarding the use of force against civilians.
Amnesty International has urged the Nigerian government to hold those responsible accountable and to investigate the incident promptly. The organisation warned that without proper investigations, the repeated use of excessive force by security agencies could further destabilize communities and undermine public trust in the government.
The Lamorde tragedy comes amid a broader concern about Nigeria’s handling of communal conflicts and protests. In recent years, clashes between ethnic groups, disputes over land, and protests against government policies have often resulted in violent responses by security forces, sometimes leading to deaths and widespread injuries.
“The Nigerian authorities’ response to the communal violence between Bachama and Chobo tribes is totally inadequate. The approach often results in more casualties and destruction instead of restoring peace,” Amnesty said.
Local community leaders have also expressed deep concern over the deaths. Many are calling for justice for the victims and accountability for the officers involved in the shooting. Some activists have demanded reforms in how security forces respond to civilian protests, arguing that excessive use of force only deepens mistrust and instability.
The Nigerian military has not issued an official statement regarding the Lamorde incident. However, similar past incidents have often been met with denials or claims that the use of force was necessary to restore order. Human rights organisations, including Amnesty, have repeatedly challenged such responses, calling for independent investigations to determine the truth.
The deaths in Lamorde highlight a persistent problem in Nigeria: the balance between maintaining security and protecting human rights. Amnesty International warned that without changes in policy and accountability, more lives could be lost in future communal conflicts and protests.
Amnesty’s statement concludes with a strong call for action: authorities must investigate the killings, hold perpetrators accountable, and ensure that civilians, particularly women and vulnerable groups, are protected during protests and communal disputes.
The organisation also urged the Nigerian government to adopt long-term solutions to ethnic conflicts, highlighting dialogue and respect for human rights over violent suppression. “The excessive and unlawful use of force must end. Justice for the victims in Lamorde is not negotiable,” Amnesty said.
