Death and Denial: Adamawa women protesters killed by soldiers, Army rejects claims, blames militants 

•Women protesting over killings in Adamawa communities

 

Controversy has enveloped the reported killing of at least 10 women and injuring of several others during a protest linked to ongoing communal violence in Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

 

The incident occurred on Sunday, December 7, 2025, when women from affected communities took to the streets to protest the late arrival of military personnel deployed to quell the clash that had erupted in the area, reports News Express.

 

According to preliminary reports, the women allegedly blocked a major road in a bid to prevent soldiers from pursuing fleeing attackers accused of carrying out assaults on their communities. The situation reportedly escalated during a confrontation between the protesters and security forces, leading to the deaths of 10 women and injuries to several others.

 

Local sources said tension remains high in the area as residents fear further violence. Security operatives have reportedly been deployed to restore calm and prevent a breakdown of law and order.

 

However, the 23 Brigade of the Nigerian Army has denied that its soldiers killed any women during the protest.

 

In a statement on Tuesday, signed by Captain Olusegun Abidoye, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for Sector 4 Operation Hadin Kai/23 Brigade, the Army called the report “baseless and misleading.”

 

The statement clarified that the Brigade Commander was not at the scene but was participating in a virtual weekly operational briefing with the Chief of Army Staff.

 

The 23 Brigade described the report as an attempt to tarnish the reputation of the Brigade and the Nigerian Army.

 

Regarding the alleged incident, the statement said troops had received a distress call about a group mobilizing to attack the Lamurde Local Government Secretariat.

 

While moving to secure the building, soldiers encountered women blocking the road in protest.

 

The Brigade confirmed that its personnel created a narrow passage to proceed and did not fire at the women.

 

“If any women had been shot, the troops would not have been allowed to pass through the crowd,” the statement asserted.