The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), comprising the Jos, Pankshin, Bukuru and Shendam branches, has called for stronger security measures and urgent reforms to address the worsening insecurity in Plateau State.
The call was made at a joint press conference in Jos, where the Chairman of the NBA Jos Branch, Mr. Morgan Dung, Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court, read the association’s position on the persistent attacks across the state.
The NBA said the protection of lives and property remained a fundamental constitutional responsibility of government, citing Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees every person’s right to life.
“The protection of life and property is the most fundamental responsibility of government and the NBA condemns the inability of government to protect the continuous lives and property in Nigeria and in Plateau State with particularity.”
The lawyers condemned recent attacks in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Bokkos Local Government Areas, saying the continued violence was undermining public confidence in the ability of the state to protect citizens.
“The Nigerian Bar Association condemns in the strongest terms the gruesome and sustained attacks carried out on citizens on a daily basis across Plateau State, with the most recent occurring in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Bokkos Local Government Areas of the state.”
The NBA expressed concern that attacks had continued despite curfews imposed in some affected areas, saying the killing of community vigilantes during curfew hours raised serious questions about the effectiveness of existing security arrangements.
“This is an invitation to total anarchy and complete breakdown of law and order. The cycle of lawlessness perpetrated by these non-state actors paints a troubling picture of impunity on one hand and a seeming complicity or helplessness of the state on the other.”
The association called on the Federal Government to sponsor an Executive Bill to place security on the Concurrent Legislative List, arguing that state governors should have greater operational control over security personnel deployed within their states.
It also urged the Federal Government to adequately equip and motivate the armed forces and paramilitary agencies, strengthen border surveillance and address forest areas being used as hideouts by criminal elements.
The NBA commended the Plateau State Government for efforts including the revamping of Operation Rainbow and the Neighborhood Watch, training of personnel, procurement of security vehicles and establishment of a command and control centre.
However, it called for the immediate deployment of security vehicles to vulnerable communities rather than concentrating them at the state headquarters.
“We demand the immediate relocation of combat vehicles to ensure security in real time.”
On justice, the NBA called for time-bound judicial proceedings in terrorism-related cases to facilitate speedy trials and convictions where evidence establishes criminal responsibility.
The association said it was prepared to use legal advocacy, public-interest litigation, professional expertise and collaboration with government institutions, security agencies, traditional institutions and affected communities to promote accountability and access to justice.
“The NBA will support every local effort to ensure that perpetrators of atrocities, including those who finance, sponsor, facilitate, or otherwise aid acts of terrorism and other violent crimes are identified, investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.”
The lawyers also appealed to communities to strengthen intelligence gathering and cooperate with security agencies, while cautioning citizens against spreading unverified information, making inciting comments or taking the law into their own hands.
The NBA stressed that the worsening security situation was not only costing lives but also affecting agriculture, mining and other economic activities in Plateau State.
The association said protecting citizens must remain central to governance, stressing that government policies and development programmes could only benefit citizens who are alive and secure.
