Reps Demand Probe Into Alleged Killing of Eight Protesters in Adamawa
The House of Representatives has called for an immediate, transparent, and independent investigation into the alleged killings of unarmed protesters in Adamawa by military personnel.
The call followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Kwamoti Laori of the PDP from Adamawa during plenary on Wednesday.
Moving the motion, Laori expressed deep concern over the ongoing violent conflicts in Lamurde Local Government Area and stressed the need to identify and prosecute all security personnel found culpable.
He said the conflict had led to loss of lives, destruction of property, and rising tension among communities already weighed down by insecurity.
According to him, the disturbances are occurring at a time when the nation is already grappling with widespread insecurity caused by criminals, bandits, terrorists, and kidnappers.
The lawmaker warned that the situation in Lamurde must not be allowed to escalate beyond control.
He said, “The killing of eight unarmed women, including a 13-year-old, by personnel of the Nigerian military during a peaceful demonstration in Lamurde LGA and injuring over 30 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.”
Laori emphasised the need to restore public trust in security institutions through accountability, transparency, and strict adherence to the rules of engagement.
He warned that failure to act urgently could lead to a further breakdown of law and order, more loss of lives, and deepened communal grievances.
In his ruling, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen directed the House Committees on Human Rights, Defence, and Internal Security to visit Lamurde on a fact-finding mission and report back within two weeks for further legislative action.
He 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.
The House further mandated the Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance and observed a minute of silence in honour of the deceased.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
