Amnesty International has called on the Nigerian authorities to launch prompt, independent and impartial investigations into the protracted communal violence between the Tsobo and Bachama communities in Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State, while demanding an end to the prolonged detention without trial of 19 Tsobo men arrested following the crisis.
In a statement, the human rights organisation alleged that the response of the Nigerian military and other security agencies since violence escalated in July 2025 has been marked by arbitrary arrests, prolonged detention and violations of due process, rather than lawful enforcement measures.
According to Amnesty International, investigations revealed that many of the 19 detainees were arrested during nighttime military operations at their homes or intercepted along rural roads before being transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Yola.
The organisation said the men have remained in detention for several months without being formally charged or brought before a court, while allegedly being denied access to their families and legal representatives. It added that there has been no publicly available information regarding the status of legal proceedings against them.
Amnesty International further stated that relatives of the detainees reported receiving little or no official information about their loved ones’ whereabouts, legal status or the progress of investigations.
The rights group argued that the continued detention of the suspects contravenes constitutional and international human rights obligations binding on Nigeria.
It noted that Section 35 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees that any person arrested or detained must be brought before a court within the period prescribed by law. It also cited Nigeria’s obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which prohibit arbitrary detention and require that detainees be informed promptly of the reasons for their arrest, granted access to legal counsel and brought before an independent judicial authority without undue delay.
According to Amnesty International, the prolonged detention of the 19 men without trial raises serious concerns over alleged violations of their rights to liberty, due process and a fair hearing, warning that such practices could erode public confidence in the justice system and further inflame tensions in communities already affected by violence.
The organisation identified the detainees as Nathan Filangh (34), Jessel Irmiya (33), Clark Musa (32), Jackson Williams (32), Blue Mislay (34), Godulin Algaji (30), Jasper Solomon (30), Yohanna Mace (28), Silas Bitrus (28), Hamson Samuel (28), Etayi Ephraim (26), Jethro Jonah (25), Abba Danladi (24), Doratizi Francis (20), Saviour Samuel (36), Markus Moses (28), Daniel Gideon (29), Samson (19), and one unidentified individual.
Amnesty International also urged the Federal Government to ensure thorough, independent and impartial investigations into all crimes committed during the communal violence, regardless of the identities or community affiliations of those responsible.
The organisation maintained that ensuring accountability for perpetrators and respecting the rights of all detainees are essential steps toward restoring public confidence, upholding the rule of law and promoting lasting peace in the affected communities.
