Community Demands Justice Over Killings In Adamawa Crisis

The people of Bwateyi community resident in Abuja have expressed outrage and sorrow over a deadly incident involving the Nigerian Army that claimed the lives of at least 10 people, including women and children, in Lamurde local government area, Adamawa State.

The chairman of the Bwatiye Development Association, Peneda Bwateyi, Abuja Chapter, Mrs Dianne Fabrel-Stephen, during a peace protest, at the National Assembly in Abuja, described the attack as “gruesome,” revealing that nine women were killed during the military’s intervention, and a 10-year-old girl succumbed to injuries the following day.

FabrelStephen, who lamented that over 40 others are currently receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained during the attack, also led her group to present a letter to report their grievance to the leadership of the National Assembly in Abuja.

“We are devastated. We are mourning. We will not let this matter be swept under the carpet. We demand justice and accountability from the Nigerian government and the National Assembly. The Nigerian Army must be held responsible for the lives lost”, he chairman demanded.

The General Secretary of the organisation, Prince Hassan Ithiel Tanyishi, explained that the violence erupted during a communal clash between the Bwateyi people and the Chobo people, which he said had escalated in recent weeks. He revealed that the Nigerian Army was called in to protect the community after homes were burned, and lives were lost in the conflict. Still, he stressed that “what followed was an atrocity, as soldiers reportedly opened fire on unarmed women protesting peacefully.

The women were holding leaves as a symbol of nonviolent resistance when the military personnel shot them”, the secretary lamented.

“These women were not armed. They were not threatening anyone,” Otangishi said. “They were simply protesting for their rights, and yet they were gunned down in cold blood”, he added.

Tanyishi said their community is demanding an independent and transparent investigation into the military’s actions. They have called for the establishment of a judicial inquiry to bring those responsible to justice. The community also seeks adequate compensation for the families of the victims, especially the widows and orphans left behind.

Dr Dooh Abama Tanyishi, another prominent member of the Bwateyi community, emphasised the pain and trauma felt by the community. “We came out today to cry for justice,” said Dr Tanyishi. “What happened was not just a tragedy; it was an assault on our humanity. These women were killed by the very people we entrusted with our safety.”

She said the Bwateyi people are particularly distressed by the Nigerian Army’s response, which she explained denied any involvement in the killings. “In less than 48 hours, the Nigerian Army issued a denial, calling the incident ‘unfortunate’ but denying their direct role. We are asking, how can they deny what is so evident?” she queried.