National Crisis Looms! NBA Demands End To Herdsmen Killings, Pressures Governors To Act Swiftly

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly denounced the escalating attacks on communities by suspected herdsmen, particularly in Plateau State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to reports, at least 51 people were killed in Zike community, Bassa Local Government Area, on Sunday night—just two weeks after 52 others were slain in coordinated attacks on five communities in Bokkos LGA.

In a statement on Tuesday, NBA President Afam Osigwe described the killings as a glaring reflection of Nigeria’s deteriorating internal security.

“The Nigerian Bar Association is gravely concerned over the resurgence of brutal killings in Plateau, Benue, and other parts of the country, including the heart-wrenching murder of a family of eight and the confirmed deaths of over 52 individuals in Zike hamlet, Kimakpa community, Kwall district of Irigwe Chiefdom,” Osigwe stated.

“These horrific incidents highlight the urgent and undeniable failures within Nigeria’s security framework and demand swift, effective action from the government and security forces tasked with safeguarding lives and property.”

The NBA President emphasized that the continued bloodshed threatens not only human life but also public confidence in governance and the rule of law.

He called on all relevant security and law enforcement agencies to swiftly apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the attacks.

“Societies cannot thrive under constant fear and unchecked violence,” he said. “The government must rise to its constitutional duty.”

Referencing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, Osigwe stressed that the primary purpose of government is to ensure the security and welfare of the people.

“It is unacceptable that Nigerians continue to live in terror while entire communities are wiped out,” he added.

Osigwe urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and governors of the affected states to urgently implement coordinated security measures focused on intelligence gathering, rapid response, and the protection of vulnerable populations.

He further appealed to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, to act decisively and professionally to restore peace.

The NBA also called on the National Human Rights Commission and civil society groups to closely monitor the situation and ensure justice for all victims.

“The NBA stands firm in its commitment to the rule of law, human rights, and justice,” Osigwe concluded. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.”