The four branches of the Nigerian Bar Association in Plateau State have jointly condemned renewed attacks on communities across the state, raising concern that residents observing government-imposed curfews have remained vulnerable to armed violence.
The Jos, Pankshin, Bukuru and Shendam branches made their position known at a joint press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat in Jos.
The branches are chaired respectively by Morgan Dung, Selven Zingman, Lucy Pam-Fom Bot and Sylvia Kumtong.
Dung, Chairman of the NBA Jos Branch, read the joint statement on behalf of the lawyers.
The NBA branches referred particularly to violence in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Bokkos Local Government Areas.
They argued that recurring killings and destruction of property had placed renewed focus on government’s constitutional responsibility to protect citizens.
The lawyers specifically cited the constitutional right to life under Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution.
They also referred to the wider constitutional responsibility of the state for the security and welfare of the people.
Attacks allegedly occurred during curfew
A particularly serious allegation raised by the NBA concerned attacks said to have taken place while government curfews were in force.
The Association said communities obeying the restrictions had nevertheless come under attack.
It cited Kikyo village in Mangu Local Government Area, where community vigilantes were reportedly killed while on duty during curfew hours.
The lawyers also referred to reported incidents in Cantoma and Bin-Per villages in Mangu, as well as Kasa village in Marit District of Barkin Ladi.
These accounts represent allegations and reports raised by the NBA branches; they should not be treated as judicial findings identifying the perpetrators.
The four branches warned that continuing attacks, particularly where offenders evade arrest and prosecution, could weaken public confidence in the state and the rule of law.
NBA seeks broader security reforms
Beyond condemning the violence, the branches presented a number of proposals.
They called for stronger federal and state security coordination and supported legislative changes that would give state governments greater operational authority over security.
The lawyers also sought improved motivation and equipment for security agencies, enhanced border surveillance and stronger action against areas allegedly being used as hideouts by armed groups.
At the same time, they acknowledged measures already taken by the Plateau State Government, including the revitalisation of Operation Rainbow, training of neighbourhood-watch personnel and hunters, deployment of gun trucks and establishment of a command-and-control centre.
The latest intervention continues a pattern of concern from the legal profession over persistent violence in Plateau.
LegalLinkz reported in April 2025 that the NBA national leadership had demandnhed stronger action following deadly attacks in Plateau and Benue States, reminding governments of the constitutional responsibility to secure lives and property. Nigerian Law Updates
The renewed statement from all four Plateau NBA branches suggests that, despite successive security interventions, lawyers in the state remain deeply concerned about the ability of vulnerable communities to remain protected during periods of heightened tension.
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Source: Punch
