The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned what it describes as the horrific and ongoing attacks on citizens in Plateau State, which occur daily. It warns that these continuous assaults could lead to a complete breakdown of law and order.
The association highlighted recent sustained attacks in the Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Bokkos Local Government Areas, which have resulted in the deaths of dozens and injuries to many more.
During a press briefing in Jos, the association expressed its discontent with the apparent lack of responsiveness from government officials at all levels regarding their responsibility to protect lives and property.
The statement, signed by Morgan I. Dung, Chairman of the Jos Branch; Selven D. Zingman, Chairman of the Pankshin Branch; Lucy Pam-Fom Bot, Chairwoman of the Bukuru Branch; and Sylvia Kumtong, Chairwoman of the Shendam Branch, emphasised that the ongoing cycle of violence against law-abiding citizens devalues the social contract and undermines public trust in the government.
It further declared: “More disturbing to the association was the fact that the killings had continued despite the declaration of a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the three local government areas.
“The Nigerian Bar Association condemns in the strongest terms the gruesome and sustained attacks carried out on citizens on daily basis across Plateau State, with the most recent occurring in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Bokkos Local Government Areas of the State which has left in its trail undesirable results. This painfully confirms the fact that there is an insufficient commitment to constitutional responsibility.
It is equally disturbing that in the wake of recent attacks and an imposition of curfew in the areas mentioned above, terrorists disrespected the curfew and freely attacked communities obeying the order.
The lawyers also expressed dismay that while locals were encouraged to defend themselves, they have, themselves become targeted of killings and indiscriminate attacks.
NBA recalled that some community vigilantes of Kikyau village in Mangu Local Government were killed at their duty post by terrorists during the said curfew hours.
“Similar ugly developments have been reported in Kantoma and Bin-Per villages in Mangu Local Government Area, as well as Kassa village, Wereh village, Ropp, Fan, and Marit Districts in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
“This is an invitation to total anarchy and complete breakdown of law and order. The circle of bloodletting perpetrated by these non-State actors paint a troubling picture of impunity on one part, and a seeming complicity or helplessness of the State on the other.
When perpetrators of violence transact their stock in trade unabated and sometimes evade justice, it sends a dangerous message that human life is expendable in Nigeria and consequently, citizens are fast losing faith in the ability of the State to protect them.
“It is also a notorious fact that some communities in Plateau State have been completely sacked over some decades and their lands forcefully grabbed, occupied, and even renamed by their invaders while their survivors remain displaced aborigines.
While appreciating the efforts of the federal government for visiting Plateau and condoling with the people, the NBA urged the government at all levels to make the protection of lives and property their priority.