The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in Plateau State, Nigeria. In a joint press conference held in Jos, the four branches of the NBA in Plateau State - Jos, Bukuru, Pankshin, and Shendam - condemned the recent attacks in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Bokkos Local Government Areas. The association described the attacks as a grave indictment of the state's capacity to protect its citizens.
The NBA lamented the continuing bloodshed despite security measures, noting that terrorists had attacked communities during curfew hours, killing residents and vigilantes. The association warned that the unchecked violence, displacement of communities, and alleged occupation of ancestral lands by attackers pose a serious threat to public confidence, law, and order. The NBA emphasized the need for urgent constitutional, security, and judicial reforms to halt the persistent loss of lives and property.
The NBA commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his recent visit to Plateau and his support for the creation of state police. However, the association urged the Federal Government to sponsor constitutional amendments that would place security on the Concurrent Legislative List, granting state governors greater operational control over security architecture within their states. This, the NBA believes, would enable state governments to respond more effectively to security challenges.
The association also called for improved welfare and equipment for security personnel, enhanced border surveillance, and the establishment of a military formation in the Pai River Game Reserve area. The NBA alleged that this area has become a haven for bandits and terrorists operating around the borders of Plateau, Bauchi, and Taraba States. The association emphasized the need for a multi-faceted approach to address the security challenges in the region.
The NBA acknowledged efforts by the Plateau State Government, including the strengthening of Operation Rainbow, training of neighbourhood watch personnel, procurement of security vehicles, and support for state policing initiatives. However, the association urged the state government to further empower Operation Rainbow, enforce the state's anti-land grabbing law, and provide additional support for police formations and forward operating bases.
The lawyers called on local government authorities, traditional rulers, and communities to deepen intelligence gathering and lawful collaboration with security agencies. They also cautioned citizens against spreading unverified information capable of escalating tensions. The NBA urged security agencies to regain public trust through professionalism, patriotism, and accountability, and demanded investigations into cases where security personnel allegedly arrived at attack scenes after the assailants had fled.
The NBA advocated for expedited trials for terrorism-related offences, stiffer sanctions for lawyers who deliberately frustrate criminal proceedings, and greater transparency in the prosecution of terrorism suspects and their sponsors. The association pledged to deploy the expertise of its members in criminal justice, human rights, and public-interest litigation to support efforts aimed at securing justice for victims, preserving evidence of atrocities, and ensuring accountability.
Key points
- The NBA calls for urgent constitutional, security, and judicial reforms to address the escalating violence in Plateau State.
- The association urges the Federal Government to sponsor constitutional amendments that would place security on the Concurrent Legislative List.
- The NBA demands investigations into cases where security personnel allegedly arrived at attack scenes after the assailants had fled.
