Tension exploded in Lamurde, Adamawa State, after a peaceful street protest by local women turned deadly when soldiers escorting a senior military officer reportedly opened fire, leaving at least seven women dead and several others critically injured.The tragic incident occurred on Monday afternoon at the busy Rigange Junction, a location usually filled with traders, commuters, and families. What began as a cry for protection and justice quickly descended into chaos and panic.Eyewitnesses claimed the soldiers were part of a convoy escorting the 23 Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Amechi Agwu, when they encountered a group of women protesting worsening insecurity in their communities. The women were said to be unarmed and chanting, demanding government intervention.
Sources said the protest was sparked by earlier coordinated attacks on nearby villages by suspected Chobo-speaking militia groups, which have reportedly terrorized several settlements in Lamurde Local Government Area over the past days.A respected community leader, speaking through tears, revealed that at least 12 women were struck by bullets, with seven reportedly dying instantly at the scene. Others were said to be struggling for their lives in nearby medical facilities.As gunshots echoed across the junction, many residents ran for their lives, while market stalls were abandoned in fear. Videos and images of wounded women reportedly circulated across social media, intensifying public anger and grief.
The incident has triggered outrage across Adamawa State, with residents calling for an urgent and transparent investigation into the actions of the soldiers involved in the operation.Human rights advocates have condemned the alleged use of live ammunition on unarmed civilian protesters, describing the incident as a “deeply disturbing violation” that could further erode trust between communities and security forces.As of the time of this report, the Nigerian Army has not released an official statement, but pressure continues to mount as families of the victims demand justice, accountability, and answers over a tragedy that has left Lamurde in mourning.
