NHRC Condemns Killing of Unarmed Women in Adamawa State
…Demands For Independent Probe
Abuja (Core Reporters) The Nigerian National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has strongly condemned the killing of unarmed women who were protesting in Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State, describing the incident as a gross violation of fundamental human rights and a stain on Nigeria’s democratic values.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu , expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and extended condolences to the affected families. He described the act as “heinous and unacceptable,” especially occurring during the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and just three days before Human Rights Day.
The Commission said the killings violated several provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, including the rights to life, dignity, and peaceful assembly. It also contravene Nigeria’s obligations under key international instruments such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR).
The NHRC recalled that it had, on July 31, issued an advisory on the protection of freedom of assembly, warning that the suppression of peaceful protests undermined the foundation of democratic governance.
While noting that many accounts have alleged the involvement of armed security personnel, the Commission stated that whether perpetrated by state or non-state actors, the killing of peaceful protesters constituted a violation of the most fundamental right, the right to life.
The NHRC called for an immediate, transparent and independent investigation into the Lamurde incident, urged authorities to identify and prosecute all those responsible, including commanding officers where necessary. It also demanded adequate compensation and psychosocial support for victims, their families, and affected communities.
The Commission urged both federal and state governments to recommit to protecting citizens’ rights to peaceful protest, review security-sector protocols to prevent excessive use of force, and scale up civic and human-rights education.
The NHRC further called on the Federal Government to fast-track the pending National Policy on Protection of Civilians in Conflict Situations, and for the Adamawa State Government to urgently begin peacebuilding efforts to address persistent inter-communal tensions in the area.
The Commission reaffirmed its readiness to deploy its full mandate including monitoring, investigation, and public reporting to ensure justice, accountability, and prevention of future occurrences
