Human rights group takes Nigerian govt to ECOWAS court over deadly army attack on women protesters

By James Ike

A human rights organization, Cadrell Advocacy Centre, has filed a lawsuit against the Nigerian federal government before the ECOWAS Community Court, accusing the Nigerian Army of the extrajudicial killing of at least nine unarmed women protesters in Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

The suit, brought forward in the public interest and on behalf of the victims’ families, alleges the use of excessive force by soldiers during a peaceful protest on December 8, 2025.

The protest, organized by women in the region to express frustration over the government-imposed curfew amid ongoing violence between two local communities, turned deadly when soldiers opened fire on the demonstrators.

Cadrell, led by Executive Director Mr. Evans Ufeli, claims that despite eyewitness testimonies and confirmation from Amnesty International, the Nigerian Army denied responsibility, instead blaming a local militia. The organization emphasized that no soldier has been held accountable for the killings or the injuries sustained by many others.

In its case, the rights group seeks an independent investigation, prosecution of the perpetrators, and compensation for the victims' families.

They have also requested a N10 billion award in general damages and urged the court to implement reforms to regulate military engagement with civilians during protests.

The case has sparked nationwide outrage and calls for greater accountability and transparency in the use of force by security agencies.