The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has decried the worsening insecurity in Nigeria, stating that the right to life is under threat in the country.
The NBA’s remarks come on the heels of an attack by gunmen on the Gari Ya Waye community in Angwan Rukuba, Jos, Plateau State, on Sunday, which led to multiple deaths and injuries.
In a statement signed on Tuesday by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, the Association described the incident as a deeply distressing and painful reminder of the frightening insecurity confronting ordinary citizens going about their lawful and peaceful activities.
“That this tragedy occurred on Palm Sunday, a sacred day for Christians marking the beginning of Holy Week, makes the incident even more heartbreaking. A day meant for prayer, reflection, and hope was instead turned into a day of fear, bloodshed, and mourning.
“Families who should have returned home from worship in peace were thrown into grief. Communities that should have been united in faith were left shattered by violence. This cycle of attacks, often leaving devastation in its wake, is unacceptable and must not be allowed to continue,” the statement said.
Osigwe noted that the repeated occurrence of these killings paints a troubling picture of impunity, arguing that when perpetrators of mass violence continue to evade justice, it sends a dangerous message that human life is expendable.
He also asserted that citizens begin to lose faith in the ability of the state to protect them, leaving communities to live in constant fear.
Osigwe emphasised that the protection of lives and property is the most fundamental responsibility of government, and that the continued loss of innocent lives demands urgent, decisive, and transparent action.
He called on security agencies to swiftly identify, apprehend, and prosecute those responsible for the Palm Sunday killings.
The NBA President equally urged the Federal and State Governments to immediately strengthen security presence in vulnerable communities in Plateau State and other flashpoints across the country.
“Intelligence gathering must be improved, response mechanisms must be proactive, and deliberate steps must be taken to prevent further attacks. Beyond words, the victims and affected families deserve justice, support, and reassurance that their pain will not be ignored,” he remarked.
He extended condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones, as well as to the residents and Government of Plateau State, adding that the Association shares in their grief and stands in solidarity with all those affected by the senseless violence.
Osigwe reiterated that Nigeria cannot continue on this dangerous path where human life is cheapened and communities live under constant threat. “The recurring nature of these attacks raises serious constitutional and governance concerns, particularly regarding the protection of the right to life guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”
He further argued that every Nigerian, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or location, has an inviolable right to life and security, adding that when these rights are not protected, public confidence erodes, national cohesion weakens, and the rule of law is undermined.
