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The 23rd Brigade Headquarters of the Nigerian Army has refuted claims of shooting civilians during the recent conflict in Lamurde Local Government Area, Adamawa State, stating that the two women who died were killed due to mishandling of weapons by militia groups.

The statement came after reports claimed that soldiers accompanying the Commander of the 23rd Brigade, Nigerian Army, in Yola, shot and killed multiple women during the confrontation on Monday.

A statement shared on its X account on Tuesday, from the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Sector 4 Operation Hadin Kai/23 Brigade, Captain Olusegun Abidoye, dismissed the allegations as “unfounded and deceptive,” emphasizing that “the Brigade Commander and his security details were not present at the location of the community conflict.”

The statement further mentioned that the commander was joining the weekly operational briefing of the Chief of Army Staff via virtual means at the time of the reported incident.

The Brigade stated that joint security forces, comprising members from the 23rd Brigade, the Nigerian Police, NSCDC, and DSS, addressed violent conflicts between the Bachama and Chobo communities, which stemmed from long-standing land disagreements and ethnic rivalries.

He mentioned that military personnel were sent to the impacted areas, such as Tingno, Rigange, Tito, Waduku, and Lamurde, in order to bring back peace.

Reaffirming its stance, the Brigade stated, “It is important to let the public know that neither the Brigade Commander nor his guards were present at the site of the communal conflict, as the Brigade Commander was virtually attending the Chief of Army Staff’s weekly operational meeting at the time of the alleged shooting by his escorts.”

The statement mentioned that soldiers received emergency reports around 1:35am on Monday and quickly took action to restore calm.

During the operation, it was stated that a militia group believed to be backing one of the conflicting parties allegedly launched an attack on the soldiers.

“Responding, soldiers disabled three attackers, and further militia members were subsequently found neutralized along their retreat path, alongside a motorcycle,” the Brigade said.

The military added that soldiers moved in to protect the Lamurde Local Government Secretariat following reports of a potential assault. Although some women reportedly tried to stop them at first, armed individuals are claimed to have fired randomly.

“The Brigade stated that no civilians were shot by Army members, and the two women later taken to the Local Government Lodge were reportedly killed as a result of the improper handling of weapons by the militias,” the statement noted.

The Battalion conveyed sympathy to the families of the fallen and called on the affected communities to adopt peace in order to avoid additional violence.

It reasserted its dedication to fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities in support of civilian authorities and called on the public to ignore what it termed a “malicious report.”

Previously, The PUNCH stated that the State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, imposed a 24-hour curfew in Lamurde Local Government Area on Monday after the violent conflict between the communities.

In response to the event, the Bwatiye Youth Wing, the leading organization of the Bachama ethnic group, criticized what it called inappropriate behavior by certain military personnel stationed in the region as part of a peacekeeping operation.

In a declaration authored by its General Secretary, Abner Kwakano, the organization alleged that the military personnel employed disproportionate violence.

The statement mentioned that it is crucial to inform the public that Tsobo (Pire) carried out their initial synchronized attacks on Waduku and Rigange on July 7, 2025, resulting in loss of life, damage to residences, and the burning of settlements.

Subsequently, the Adamawa State Government became involved, and discussions aimed at achieving a peaceful settlement were taking place prior to this latest unexpected attack.

Although there have been attempts to achieve peace, troops sent to keep order shot at unarmed women demonstrating in Lamurde town, a region not directly affected by the community conflict.

This heartbreaking event led to the death of at least seven innocent women and caused severe injuries to many others.

Kwakano characterized the soldiers’ behavior as unprofessional and indefensible.

“Although we recognize and honor the Nigerian Army as an organization, the conduct of its members has led to valid questions regarding prejudice, overuse of force, and a deviation from peacekeeping principles,” the group stated.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).