Paraphrase: The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) has condemned rising attacks on communities by suspected herdsmen, particularly in Plateau State.
At least 51 residents of Zike community were killed on Sunday night in the Bassa Council Area of Plateau State. This came after 52 residents of five communities in Bokkos Council Area of the state were killed last two weeks.

Afam Osigwe, president of the NBA, said in a statement on Tuesday that the recent murders demonstrated the country’s internal security system.

“The recent spate of senseless killings in Plateau, Benue, and other states, including the horrifying massacre of an eight-member family and the confirmed deaths of at least 52 people in the attack on Zike hamlet in Kimakpa community, Kwall district of Irigwe Chiefdom, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, has deeply alarmed the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).”

“The government and security agencies in charge of safeguarding the lives and property of citizens must act swiftly and decisively in response to these tragic occurrences, which once again highlight the obvious flaws in Nigeria’s internal security architecture.

“The NBA categorically denounces these horrific assaults and urges all pertinent security and law enforcement organizations to step up and make sure that the offenders are quickly captured and prosecuted. Under the danger of violence, no society can prosper. He claimed that the ongoing murders undermine public confidence in our institutions and the rule of law in addition to violating the sanctity of human life.

Osigwe reminded state governors and President Bola Tinubu of their constitutional obligation to safeguard the populace.

The NBA urged Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff, and Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector General of Police, to take on the difficulties and deal with the growing insecurity in the country.

“We remind the Federal Government and State Governments that the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended) clearly states in Section 14(2)(b) that ‘the security and welfare of the people will be the fundamental goal of government.”

Therefore, it is unconstitutional for Nigerians to live in constant fear while whole villages are frequently assaulted, uprooted, and destroyed.

“The NBA urges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the governors of the impacted states to immediately implement strong and well-coordinated security plans that put an emphasis on obtaining intelligence, responding quickly, and safeguarding communities that are at risk.

Additionally, we implore the Chief of Army Staff, the Inspector General of Police, and other security agency leaders to reply to these atrocities.

“To guarantee that victims are not forgotten and that justice is sought for every life lost, we urge the National Human Rights Commission and civil society organizations to monitor these developments independently.

“The NBA is unwavering in its dedication to upholding the rule of law, defending human rights, and pursuing justice for all.

“The families and communities who have lost a loved one are in our prayers and thoughts. May the deceased’s souls find peace. “Amen,” he continued.