By Palang Paul
Seven women have lost their lives while 11 others sustained injuries following a protest in Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State,North Eastern Nigeria.
The incident occurred on Sunday when women from the Bachama community staged a protest over what they described as the military’s delayed response to escalating tensions between the Bachama and Chobo communities.
According to reports by Daily Trust, the protesters, who were said to be carrying leaves as a sign of peaceful demonstration, blocked the movement of security forces into the troubled area. The women accused security agencies of bias and failure to protect their community.
Sources and eyewitness said that during the confrontation, troops allegedly opened fire. Four of the women reportedly died at the scene, while three others later died at Numan General Hospital. Eleven injured protesters are currently receiving treatment, with some said to be in critical condition.
The District Head of Gyawana, Chief Agoso Bamaiyi, confirmed the incident, describing it as tragic. “They came out peacefully, appealing for security intervention, but were met with gunfire,” he said.
Following the development, Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Lamurde Local Government Area with immediate effect. The directive was announced in a statement by the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Hussaini Hammangabdo.
The governor ordered the immediate deployment of security personnel to restore law and order and prevent further violence. Residents have been urged to remain calm and cooperate fully with security agencies.
Meanwhile, the Adamawa State Police Command confirmed that lives were lost but said investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Additional tactical units have been deployed to enforce the curfew.
The violence is linked to a long-standing dispute between the Bachama and Chobo communities over farmland and boundary issues, which has led to several clashes in recent months despite government-led peace efforts.
Authorities say investigations will continue, while the military is yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
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