The House of Representatives has ordered a swift and impartial investigation into the alleged shooting of unarmed demonstrators in Adamawa, intensifying national debate over the conduct of security forces already stretched by years of violent unrest.
Lawmakers raised the alarm during Wednesday’s plenary after Kwamoti Laori, who represents Adamawa, warned that the violent clashes rocking Lamurde Local Government Area could spiral if those responsible for the reported killings are not held accountable.
He stressed that the tragedy had worsened tensions in communities long battered by insecurity.
According to Laori, the unrest has left families grieving, properties ruined, and entire villages anxious about renewed confrontations.
He explained that these fresh disturbances were emerging at a moment when “Nigeria is already overwhelmed by waves of criminal attacks, banditry, terrorism, and rampant kidnapping,” describing the situation as a dangerous tipping point.
Details presented to the House indicated that eight women, including a 13-year-old girl, were allegedly gunned down during a peaceful protest in Lamurde.
More than 30 others sustained injuries, many classified as life-threatening, and are currently being treated in hospitals in Numan and Yola.
Laori drew attention to previous episodes in Dong, Kodomti, Lawaru, Nzuruwe, and Shaforon in 2017 where civilians reportedly suffered similar abuses.
He argued that the absence of thorough investigations or justice in those cases had emboldened a cycle of impunity.
“What happened in Lamurde is not just tragic,” he said. “It mirrors a disturbing pattern that Nigerians can no longer ignore.”
He urged the military hierarchy to prioritise accountability, insisting that transparency and strict observance of rules of engagement were essential to rebuilding public trust.
He warned that ignoring the situation could trigger deeper communal resentment and possible retaliatory violence.
Following extensive deliberations, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen directed the House Committees on Human Rights, Defence, and Internal Security to undertake a fact-finding mission to Lamurde.
The committees are expected to report back within two weeks to guide subsequent legislative action.
The Speaker also appealed to the Chief of Defence Staff to caution troops stationed across Adamawa, insisting they must operate with restraint and professionalism.
“The military must not lose sight of its duty to protect every Nigerian, not harm them,” a senior lawmaker added during the session.
As proceedings concluded, the House ordered its Committee on Legislative Compliance to monitor implementation of the directives and led a solemn minute of silence in honour of those killed.
The broader national conversation now shifts to whether the investigation delivers justice, or joins a stack of unresolved tragedies that haunt conflict-prone communities.