Branches of the Nigerian Bar Association in Plateau State have called for an investigation into the response of security agencies to recurring attacks in parts of the state, demanding sanctions where personnel are found to have failed in their responsibilities.
The intervention was contained in a joint position presented by the NBA branches in the state at a press conference in Jos.
Chairman of NBA Jos Branch, Morgan Dung, who presented the statement, said continued attacks in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Bokkos Local Government Areas had raised serious questions concerning security and constitutional protection of residents.
The Bar specifically drew attention to Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution, which protects the right to life, while arguing that recurring attacks require a stronger and more accountable response from public authorities.
NBA seeks investigation and prosecution
The lawyers called for an investigation into allegations that security responses were delayed in some affected communities.
They also demanded prosecution of perpetrators and sponsors of terrorism where evidence establishes criminal responsibility.
These are demands made by the NBA branches; they do not amount to findings that particular security personnel or identified persons committed misconduct or criminal offences.
The branches further advocated stronger operational involvement for state governments in security matters.
Their intervention adds to the continuing national debate over how policing and security responsibilities should be structured in a federation confronted by localised violence and terrorism.
Constitutional responsibility at centre of intervention
For the Bar, however, the immediate issue is not merely the structure of policing.
The central argument is that citizens are constitutionally entitled to protection of life and that institutional failure to respond effectively to persistent attacks can erode confidence in government and the justice system.
The Plateau intervention follows growing involvement by NBA branches across the country in issues extending beyond conventional professional welfare to detention conditions, insecurity, police accountability and access to justice.
LegalLinkz recently reported that the NBA President tasked the Association’s Section on Public Interest and Development Law to pursue practical reforms relating to detention and disability rights. Nigerian Law Updates
The Plateau branches’ intervention similarly places the Bar within the wider constitutional conversation on the responsibility of state institutions to protect lives and provide effective remedies when violations occur.
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Source: BarristerNG
