By Palang Paul
Nine women allegedly shot dead by Nigerian soldiers in Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State have been buried in a mass grave, sparking grief, anger and renewed calls for accountability.
The burial ceremony, held on Tuesday at the Lamurde Local Government Secretariat, drew thousands of mourners from Lamurde and neighbouring communities. Community leaders used the occasion to publicly release the identities of the victims, deepening demands for justice over the tragic incident.
The deceased were identified as Florence Frank, Suzy Tanko, Marry Talmon, Mercy Kennedy, Lucky Yakubu, Pwamwasari Tami, Mary Shikauno, Destiny Gibson and Hunbokwama Nickson.
As the women were laid side by side, wrapped in white and grass mats, community members described the killings as avoidable and unjustified.
The Bwate Youth Wing, representing Bachama-speaking communities, directly accused the Nigerian Army of opening fire on unarmed women. Its Secretary-General, Abner Kwakano, called for an independent and transparent investigation, insisting that accountability was essential to honour the victims.
However, the Chobo Youth Forum rejected claims that its members initiated the violence. In a counter-statement signed by its Secretary-General, Engr. Gideon Sam, the group alleged that Chobo communities were attacked and their villages destroyed, describing accusations against them as false and dangerous.
With conflicting accounts from both sides, tensions remain high as pressure mounts on the Nigerian Army to clarify the circumstances that led to the deaths of the women and to address growing public calls for justice.
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