7 Women Lose Their Lives During Protest in Adamawa State

A tragic incident occurred in Adamawa State when a peaceful protest in Lamurde Local Government Area turned deadly. According to a report by Daily Trust, seven women lost their lives during a demonstration over what they described as a delayed military response to escalating tensions between the Bachama and Chobo communities.

The women were seen carrying leaves as a symbol of peace while blocking the movement of troops into the area. They accused security agencies of responding too slowly and acting with bias in favour of the Chobo community.

Sources claim that during the confrontation, shots were allegedly fired, leading to fatalities. Four of the women reportedly passed away at the scene, while three others died later at the hospital. An additional eleven women sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical care.

A community leader, Chief Agoso Bamaiyi, the District Head of Gyawana, expressed grief over the incident, stating:
“They came out peacefully, carrying leaves, begging for security, instead, they were met with live gunfire.
“The wounded were rushed to Numan General Hospital, where medical officials say some remain in critical condition.”

Following the violence, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri imposed a 24-hour curfew on Lamurde Local Government Area. The directive was announced in a statement released by Hussaini Hammangabdo, Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor.

The statement explained that the governor instructed security operatives to move into the affected communities immediately to restore calm and prevent further unrest.

According to the statement:
“The Adamawa State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Lamurde Local Government Area with immediate effect following a renewed communal clash that broke out on Sunday evening.”

Residents were urged to remain cooperative as efforts continue to stabilize the situation.
This fresh wave of violence comes only days after Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri facilitated a delicate peace agreement between the Chobo and Bachama groups. Dr. Jamila Suleiman, Executive Vice Chairperson of the Adamawa State Peace Commission, noted that the renewed clash undermines recent reconciliation attempts.
The spokesperson for the Adamawa State Police Command, S.P. Suleiman Nguroje, confirmed the loss of lives and stated that the injured had been taken to the hospital.

His statement read:
“Actually lives were lost. But for now, we cannot give the total number of people that lost their lives but the injured have been taken to a hospital for treatment.”

Nguroje added that reports indicated the incident affected Rugange and nearby villages extending to Wadugo. While asked about the cause of the crisis, he emphasized that investigations were ongoing:
“I plead that we should give them the opportunity to come out with their findings on what must have triggered the conflict so as to make it known to the members of the public.”

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