Seven women were killed and several others injured during a protest in Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The peaceful demonstration, however, ended in tragedy after a confrontation with military personnel on Monday, December 8, 2025.
The incident has now thrown the state into tension and forced emergency action from authorities.
According to reports, the women were protesting what they described as the delayed response of security operatives to calm rising tensions between the Bachama and Chobo communities.
Moreover, they blocked the movement of troops into the area while holding leaves as a sign of peace.
Their actions were meant to draw attention to their concerns over what they believed was biased intervention.
However, the confrontation escalated quickly. Eyewitnesses said the military allegedly fired live rounds at the crowd.
Four women died immediately, while three others later died in the hospital.
In addition, 11 more women sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment.
Chief Agoso Bamaiyi, the District Head of Gyawana, expressed deep concern, saying, “They came out peacefully, carrying leaves, begging for security, instead, they were met with live gunfire.” He added that “The wounded were rushed to Numan General Hospital, where medical officials say some remain in critical condition.”
Meanwhile, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has imposed a 24-hour curfew on the entire Lamurde LGA.
The directive was announced in a statement by the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Hussaini Hammangabdo.
The statement noted that security operatives have been instructed to move into the troubled communities immediately to restore peace.
The announcement read, “The Adamawa State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Lamurde Local Government Area with immediate effect following a renewed communal clash that broke out on Sunday evening.”
Furthermore, the government urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security personnel.
The fresh crisis erupted only days after a fragile peace deal was brokered between the warring Chobo and Bachama groups, according to Dr. Jamila Suleiman of the Adamawa State Peace Commission.
The police spokesperson, S.P. Suleiman Nguroje, confirmed the deaths but noted that details were still emerging.
“Actually lives were lost. But for now, we cannot give the total number… the injured have been taken to a hospital for treatment,” he said.
He explained that the clash affected areas around Rugange, Wadugo, and nearby villages.
When asked about the cause, he added, “I plead that we should give them the opportunity to come out with their findings on what must have triggered the conflict.”
