Adamawa Governor Declares 24-Hour Curfew As Militias Kill Scores In Lamurde Communities

Fresh violence has erupted in Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State, leaving scores of people feared dead after armed militias reportedly went on a killing spree across several communities.

Local sources said the attackers rampaged through villages, killing residents and hurriedly burying victims as panic spread across the area.

The latest bloodshed is linked to the lingering ethnic tensions between Bachama and Tchobo-speaking communities, whose clashes in recent times have plunged the area into repeated cycles of violence.

The crisis previously drew national attention after troops of the Nigerian Army, deployed to restore peace, allegedly opened fire on unarmed women protesters during earlier confrontations in the area.

Amid the renewed violence, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Lamurde Local Government Area with immediate effect.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, the governor said the drastic measure became necessary following the latest breach of peace.

“Government views these disturbances as unacceptable and has directed security agencies to enforce the curfew strictly,” Fintiri said.

He warned that anyone found violating the directive would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

According to the statement, the curfew will remain in force until further notice, while security agencies have been ordered to maintain law and order in the troubled communities.

Residents were also urged to comply fully with the directive and provide useful information to security agencies to help restore calm.

“The government will not condone acts of violence and will take necessary measures to restore peace and order,” the governor added, appealing to residents to cooperate with security forces.

Authorities say the government remains committed to protecting lives and property and ensuring the safety of all citizens as efforts continue to restore normalcy in the troubled area.