Wednesday, December 24, 2025 - Members of the Bwateyi community on Tuesday protested at the National Assembly in Abuja, demanding justice over the alleged killing of at least 10 people—mostly women and a child—during a Nigerian Army operation in Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The protesters, led by Diane Stephen, chairman of the
Bwatiye Community Development Association (Peneda Bwatiye), Abuja chapter,
expressed outrage and grief over the incident, which they said occurred during
a military intervention in the area.
Speaking during the protest, Stephen described the incident
as “gruesome,” saying the community was plunged into mourning by those
entrusted with its protection.
According to her, nine women were allegedly killed on the
spot, while a 10-year-old girl later died from injuries sustained during the
operation. She added that more than 40 others are currently receiving treatment
in various medical facilities for injuries allegedly sustained in the attack.
“We are devastated. We are mourning. Our hearts are broken,”
Stephen said. “We will not allow this matter to be swept under the carpet. We
are demanding justice and accountability from the Nigerian government and the
National Assembly. The Nigerian Army must be held responsible for the lives
lost.”
Hassan Tanyishi, general secretary of the association, said
the violence followed a prolonged communal clash between the Bwateyi and Chobo
communities, which had intensified in recent weeks.
He explained that the military was invited into the area to
restore calm after reports of arson and loss of lives during the conflict.
However, Tanyishi alleged that the situation turned tragic
when soldiers confronted unarmed women who had gathered to protest peacefully
“What followed was an atrocity,” he said. “Soldiers
allegedly opened fire on unarmed women who were protesting peacefully. These
women were holding leaves as a symbol of nonviolent resistance when they were
shot.”
He insisted that the victims posed no threat. “They were not
armed. They were not violent. They were simply asking for their rights, yet
they were gunned down in cold blood.”
The community is now calling for an independent and
transparent investigation into the incident.
Tanyishi said the protesters are demanding the establishment
of a judicial panel of inquiry to thoroughly probe the actions of the military
personnel involved and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
They are also seeking adequate compensation for the families
of the victims, particularly widows and orphans.
Another community leader, Dooh Tanyishi, described the
incident as a deep wound that has left lasting trauma among the Bwateyi people.
“We came out today to cry for justice. What happened was not
just a tragedy; it was an assault on our humanity,” she said. “These women were
killed by the very people we entrusted with our safety.”
She also criticised the Nigerian Army’s response, alleging
that the military denied responsibility for the killings.
“In less than 48 hours, the Nigerian Army issued a statement
describing the incident as ‘unfortunate’ while denying direct involvement,” she
said. “We are asking: how can they deny what is so evident?”
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