The four branches of the Nigerian Bar Association in Plateau State have raised concerns over renewed attacks on communities, alleging that terrorists have continued to target residents despite government-imposed curfews.
The NBA branches in Jos, Pankshin, Bukuru and Shendam made the allegation on Monday during a joint press conference at the NUJ Secretariat in Jos.
The four branch chairmen are Morgan Dung of Jos, Selven Zingman of Pankshin, Lucy Pam-Fom Bot of Bukuru and Sylvia Kumtong of Shendam. Dung read the text of the association’s statement at the briefing.
The lawyers said the persistent killings in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Bokkos Local Government Areas showed that authorities were falling short of their responsibility to protect lives and property.
Citing the 1999 Constitution, the NBA said the protection of citizens remained a primary duty of government.
“One of the fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy is the responsibility of government to guarantee the observance of fundamental rights as captured under Chapter Four of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
“Section 33 of the Constitution states that every person has a right to life and no one shall be deprived intentionally of his life, save in the execution of a court order in respect of a criminal offence of which he has been found guilty in Nigeria.
“It therefore suffices to say that the protection of lives and property is the most fundamental responsibility of government, and the NBA frowns at the inability of government to prevent the continuous loss of lives and property in Nigeria and in Plateau State,” the NBA said.
The association condemned the continued violence across the affected communities, describing the attacks as sustained and severe.
“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, which have left in their trail undesirable results,” the statement read.
The lawyers expressed particular concern over attacks allegedly carried out during curfew hours, saying residents who complied with government directives had still been exposed to violence.
“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.
“While communities are encouraged to be vigilant and complement the efforts of the security agencies, some community vigilantes in Kikyo village in Mangu Local Government Area were killed at their duty post by terrorists during the said curfew hours.
“Similarly, ugly developments have been reported in Cantoma and Bin-Per villages in Mangu Local Government Area, as well as Kasa village, which is in Marit District in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
“This is an invitation to total anarchy and complete breakdown of law and order,” the association said.
The NBA said the continued attacks had also weakened public trust in the ability of the government to protect citizens, particularly where perpetrators escaped punishment.
“When perpetrators of violence transact their stock in trade unabated and sometimes evade justice, this 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 said.
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It further alleged that several communities had been displaced entirely, with their lands allegedly taken over, occupied and renamed, leaving survivors unable to return home.
The association commended President Bola Tinubu for visiting Plateau to sympathise with victims of the Jos North killings and for supporting moves towards state police and citizen security training.
However, it urged the Federal Government to take additional measures, including sponsoring an Executive Bill to place security under the Concurrent Legislative List to enable governors exercise greater control over security operations.
The NBA also called for better motivation and equipment for security agencies, stronger border surveillance and measures to address alleged bias in security operations.
It demanded the degazetting of forests around Pa’ I River Game Reserve, which it said had become a hideout for bandits.
The lawyers also identified Garga community in Kanam Local Government Area, which borders Bauchi and Taraba states, as another area affected by banditry. They alleged an influx of Fulani militia from Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba and the Republic of Niger.
On measures taken by the Plateau State Government, the NBA acknowledged the revamping of Operation Rainbow, the training of 2,000 Neighbourhood Watch members and hunters, the provision of gun trucks and the establishment of a command and control centre.
It nevertheless urged the state government to license Operation Rainbow and the Neighbourhood Watch to operate kinetic facilities, amend the relevant law, enforce the Anti-Land Grabbing Law and provide adequate structures for police divisions.
The association also called on local government chairmen to remain within their respective domains, while urging communities to improve intelligence coordination and engage only in lawful self-defence.
Traditional rulers, it said, should also monitor the arrival of unidentified persons in their communities.
The NBA urged security agencies to immediately deploy combat vehicles to identified flashpoints, regulate the distribution of military wares and prosecute individuals impersonating security personnel.
It further demanded investigations into delayed security responses to attacks and frequent redeployment of personnel who had served for extended periods in particular areas.
On the administration of justice, the association advocated time-bound trials for terrorism cases and sanctions against lawyers who deliberately facilitate delays.
It also called on state governors to sign death warrants for convicted terrorists and demanded public disclosure of trials involving alleged sponsors of terrorism.
The lawyers linked the security situation to the 2027 general elections, referring to the recent City Boy campaign launch in Jos, where a target of one million votes was announced for President Tinubu.
“As of 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, the 26th day of September 2026, six persons were confirmed dead at Laja Village in Marin District, leaving you with 964 votes,”
The NBA warned that continued killings could undermine citizens’ ability to participate in the next election.
“Mr. President, if these killings continue unabated, chances are that there may be no single Nigerian left to cast a vote in 2027. Campaign promises and government policies, no matter how beautifully crafted, can only be fulfilled when citizens are alive to benefit from them,” the NBA warned.