Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has ordered the establishment of a judicial panel of inquiry to investigate the December 8 shooting incident in Lamurde Local Government Area, which claimed the lives of ten women and an 11-year-old girl.
The governor announced the decision during a visit to Lamurde and five affected communities in Suwa District, where he assured residents that the panel would conduct an open, fair, and comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure justice for the victims.
Governor Fintiri appealed for calm and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to due process and accountability. He disclosed that the Adamawa State Peace Commission has been engaging youths, elders, religious leaders, and community stakeholders in the affected areas to ease tensions and promote peaceful resolution of the crisis.
Describing the killing of women during the protest as unfortunate, the governor said the victims were innocent and defenseless. He explained that the judicial panel, to be chaired by a retired High Court judge, would examine both the immediate and remote causes of the incident and make recommendations aimed at reconciliation and lasting peace.
The governor assured the families of the victims of government support, including assistance with education and livelihoods. He also inspected damaged areas in the communities and pledged increased security deployment to safeguard lives and property.
Governor Fintiri further revealed that the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) had been deployed to provide relief materials and assistance to displaced persons, stressing that security challenges would not hinder the delivery of humanitarian support.
Emphasizing that peace has no alternative, the governor said the state government would continue to work with all stakeholders, including religious and community leaders, to promote dialogue, understanding, and mutual trust. He expressed optimism that calm would soon return to Lamurde as reconciliation efforts gain momentum.
Speaking on behalf of the affected communities, the District Head of Lamurde, Pwahomakai Joseph, alongside Napwamwa Istifanus, recounted how the crisis began and appealed to the state government for decisive intervention to ensure lasting peace between the Bachama and Chobo communities.
Residents of Lamurde, encouraged by assurances of a transparent investigation, improved security, and sustained dialogue, expressed hope that justice and reconciliation would help restore peace and rebuild trust in the area.