The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has strongly condemned the killing of peaceful protesting women in Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State, calling for a thorough, independent and transparent investigation into the incident.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, described the killings as a grave violation of fundamental and inalienable human rights. He urged both the Federal and Adamawa State Governments to commit to respecting and protecting citizens’ rights to peaceful protest.
Ojukwu called for an immediate review of security-sector protocols to prevent excessive use of force and insisted that survivors and families of victims must receive full reparations and psychosocial support. He also stressed the need to scale up civic education and human rights awareness, particularly in conflict-prone communities, to rebuild public trust and reinforce the value of peaceful protest.
Referencing an NHRC advisory issued on 31 July on the protection of freedom of association and assembly, Ojukwu warned that any violation of the right to peaceful assembly undermines the foundations of democracy. He noted that whether the killings were carried out by security personnel or non-state actors, they constitute a direct assault on the right to life.
The Commission outlined key demands to authorities:
• Conduct a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the killings.
• Identify and prosecute all individuals responsible, including command-level officers.
• Provide reparations and support to victims, families and affected communities.
• Ensure strict adherence to legal standards governing the use of force and guarantee citizens’ safe exercise of their rights to protest and assemble.
Ojukwu further urged the Federal Government to expedite adoption of the National Policy on Protection of Civilians in Conflict Situations. He also called on the Adamawa State Government to immediately activate peacebuilding and conflict resolution mechanisms to address ongoing inter-communal tensions in the state.
Reaffirming its mandate, the NHRC pledged to continue defending the rights of all Nigerians, particularly women and children. The Commission said it would deploy its full monitoring and investigative powers to ensure justice, accountability and prevent recurrence.
“We stand ready to work with authorities, civil society and affected communities to ensure that this tragedy does not happen again, and that those who lost their lives or suffered violations in Lamurde receive justice, recognition and dignity,” Ojukwu stated.
