The Adamawa State Government has assured residents that it is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of seven women who were killed during a protest in Lamurde Local Government Area. The protest, which took place on Sunday, December 7, 2025, was organized by women expressing frustration over what they described as poor responses by security agencies to recent communal violence in the area.
Reports indicate that the women were allegedly shot dead during the demonstration, raising public concern and widespread debate over the involvement of soldiers deployed to the area. Initial accounts linked the incident to personnel of the 23 Brigade of the Nigerian Army stationed in Yola, which is responsible for security in Lamurde and surrounding communities.
On Tuesday, December 9, the 23 Brigade issued a statement distancing its soldiers from the killings. The military claimed that the deaths were the result of actions by militia groups allegedly involved in previous attacks in Lamurde, rather than soldiers deployed to restore peace. Despite this explanation, public skepticism remains high, with many residents insisting that soldiers targeted the very people they were meant to protect.
Addressing the situation on Thursday, after a security meeting in Yola with heads of security agencies in the state, Deputy Governor Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, who was standing in for Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, who is currently abroad, urged patience from the public. She said the government is taking the matter seriously and will provide clarity as soon as the investigation is concluded.
“Government did not sweep the Lamurde issue under the carpet,” Professor Farauta said. “A due investigation is ongoing, and the people of Adamawa will be informed of the truth in the fullness of time.” She also cautioned traditional and social media outlets against spreading unverified information, stressing that reporting without facts could further inflame tensions.
The Lamurde killings follow a series of violent incidents in the LGA, which have been attributed to clashes between rival communities and armed militia groups. Residents have expressed growing frustration over what they see as the slow response of security agencies to contain escalating attacks and protect civilians. The women who organized the protest were demanding immediate government intervention to ensure safety in the area.
Security experts have highlighted that protests in volatile regions like Lamurde require careful management to prevent escalation. They noted that the presence of military personnel during demonstrations is often intended to maintain order and protect civilians, but tensions can rise if protesters perceive security forces as biased or overly aggressive.
The Deputy Governor’s message also included a call for calm and restraint from residents. “We appeal to everyone to remain calm,” Farauta said. “Rumors and speculation can worsen the situation. Let us allow the security agencies and the government to conduct a thorough investigation so that justice can prevail.”
Following the incident, community leaders in Lamurde have urged the government to ensure transparency in the investigation. Many have demanded that those found responsible for the deaths, whether soldiers or members of militia groups, be held accountable. Local residents expressed fear for their safety, noting that several areas remain tense after the tragic event.
“The people of Lamurde are scared. This was a peaceful protest by women, and to see them killed is devastating,” said a community elder who requested anonymity. “We need answers and reassurance that this will not happen again. The government must act swiftly and openly to restore trust.”
The Adamawa State Government has set up a panel to investigate the Lamurde killings, with representatives from law enforcement, local government, and civil society organizations. The panel is tasked with establishing the facts surrounding the incident, identifying the perpetrators, and recommending measures to prevent future violence.
Observers say that how the government handles this investigation will have significant implications for public trust in both the state administration and the military. Transparency, timely updates, and fair accountability are seen as critical to preventing further unrest and maintaining stability in Lamurde and surrounding areas.
Historically, Lamurde and other parts of northern Adamawa have experienced intermittent clashes driven by communal disputes, land ownership issues, and resource competition. These conflicts have occasionally escalated into violence, prompting security deployments to restore peace. The recent protest by women reflects the ongoing frustration among residents over perceived gaps in security and protection.
The Nigerian Army’s 23 Brigade, which issued its initial denial regarding the killings, has stated that it remains committed to supporting law enforcement efforts and maintaining peace in Adamawa State. The Brigade noted that it is cooperating fully with the state government and investigative authorities to establish the facts of the Lamurde incident.
As investigations continue, the Adamawa State Government has assured residents that all necessary steps will be taken to provide justice for the victims. Authorities have also appealed for community support in maintaining peace and preventing the spread of misinformation, which could undermine efforts to restore calm.
The Lamurde incident serves as a reminder of the delicate security situation in parts of northern Nigeria, where communal tensions, limited state presence, and sporadic militia activity can quickly escalate into violence. Experts say that proactive community engagement, efficient policing, and transparency in investigations are essential to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
For now, residents of Lamurde and Adamawa State are being urged to remain calm, avoid speculation, and allow the government and security agencies to complete their investigation. The full findings of the panel will be made public, according to the Deputy Governor, and those responsible for the deaths of the women protestors will be held accountable under the law.
