The Nigerian Army’s 23 Brigade in Yola has strongly denied online media reports alleging that escorts attached to the Brigade Commander shot women protesters during unrest in Lamurde Local Government Area, Adamawa State.
The Brigade’s spokesman, Captain Olusegun Abidoye, issued a statement on Tuesday dismissing the claims as inaccurate and intended to tarnish the reputation of both the Commander and the Army.
He noted that the report lacked any factual basis. “The allegation is bereft of truth and entirely misleading. It is simply an attempt to smear the image of the Brigade and its Commander,” he stated.
Captain Abidoye emphasised that the Brigade Commander was not at the scene of the disturbance and could not have ordered or carried out any shooting. At the time of the alleged incident, the Commander was participating virtually in the Chief of Army Staff’s weekly operational briefing.
The statement explained that security forces, including troops of the Army and officers of the Police supported by other agencies, were deployed on Monday after receiving reports of renewed clashes between the Bachama and Chobo communities. The altercation was triggered by unresolved land disputes and deep-seated ethnic friction.
Troops were swiftly sent to communities such as Tingno, Rigange, Tito, Waduku and Lamurde to restore calm and prevent further escalation.
