The death toll following a controversial shooting incident involving Nigerian Army troops in Adamawa State has climbed to nine, with 51 others hospitalized with serious gunshot injuries, according to an updated report from a respected community leader.
The incident occurred in the Lamurde Local Government Area on Monday, when soldiers allegedly opened live fire on a group of predominantly women protesters. The initial reports indicated seven deaths, but a revised count confirmed a higher casualty rate.
A community leader, speaking on Tuesday after a proper count, confirmed the gravity of the situation: “After the dust settled and a proper count was taken, these are the figures: 9 dead; 23 in hospital in Numan; 28 in hospital in Yola — bringing the total to 60.” Many of the wounded are reportedly battling life-threatening injuries, prompting fears the number of fatalities may continue to rise.
The incident is said to have occurred as troops, allegedly part of a convoy escorting Brigade Commander Amaechi Agwu of the 23 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Yola, encountered the demonstrators. In addition to the casualties, houses, farm produce, and other valuables worth hundreds of millions of naira were reported destroyed during the mayhem.
In response, the 23 Brigade issued a statement on Tuesday denying that its soldiers shot at the protesters. Captain Olusegun Abidoye, the brigade’s spokesperson, claimed that a joint security team merely acted to “clear barricades mounted by the women” to protect the Lamurde council secretariat from what he described as advancing “assailants” intent on setting it ablaze.
Captain Abidoye also disputed claims that Brigadier General Amechi Agwu was present at the scene, stating the commander was attending an online conference convened by the Chief of Army Staff at the time of the confrontation.
