Amnesty International has urged the Nigerian authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the deaths of at least nine women protesters in Adamawa State’s Lamorde Local Government Area. The human rights organization attributes the fatalities to the military’s alleged excessive and unlawful use of force.

According to a statement released by Amnesty, the military fired live ammunition at the demonstrators without warning, resulting in the deaths and injuries to several other women. The organization condemned the incident, describing it as horrific and emphasizing that the security forces’ handling of civilian protests is unacceptable.

The conflict in question is reportedly linked to a long-standing ethnic dispute between the Bachama and Chobo communities, which initially stemmed from land disputes and a stolen motorcycle. Amnesty criticized the government’s response to the communal violence, stating that it has been inadequate, slow, and ineffective. Even when security agencies have intervened, their approach has often led to further casualties and destruction, rather than restoring peace.

The organization expressed concern that the failure to investigate such human rights violations is undermining the value of human life in Nigeria. In the case of the Lamorde Local Government Area incident on December 8, 2025, the use of excessive force by security agencies resulted in more deaths and destruction. Amnesty emphasized the need for a prompt and transparent investigation into the incident to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Nigerian government has faced criticism for its handling of communal conflicts, with many calling for more effective and sustainable solutions to address the root causes of these disputes. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to Amnesty’s concerns and what measures will be taken to prevent further violence and protect human rights in the region.