Governor Ahmadu Fintiri on Tuesday toured communities affected by the communal clash of the penultimate Sunday in Lamurde Local Government Area and pledged justice for the families of those allegedly killed by security agents deployed to protect them.
The governor, who visited Lamurde with other senior government officials hours after returning to the country on Monday evening, announced plans to establish a judicial panel of inquiry to investigate the December 7 shooting, allegedly by soldiers, which reportedly claimed the lives of seven protesting women.
Additional deaths have been reported as a result of the communal violence, during which youths from the Bachama community of Lamurde and their Tsobo counterparts clashed over a disputed parcel of land.
During visits to Lamurde town and five other affected communities in the LGA, Governor Fintiri assured residents that the investigation to be conducted by the proposed panel would be open, fair and thorough, with the aim of uncovering the facts and ensuring justice for the victims.
He said the Adamawa State Peace Commission has already been engaging youths, elders and community leaders from the affected areas in efforts to restore harmony.
The governor also assured victims of government support, including assistance with education and livelihoods, adding that agencies such as the State Emergency Management Agency and the National Emergency Management Agency are already providing support to displaced persons.
Speaking on behalf of the affected communities, the District Head of Lamurde, Pwahomakai Joseph, appealed to the government to take decisive action to achieve lasting peace between the Bachama and Tsobo communities.
Governor Fintiri pledges justice for slain Lamurde women
