The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has urged the Federal Government to strengthen security presence in vulnerable communities in Plateau State and other flashpoints across the country, following the gruesome attacks on residents in Jos on Palm Sunday.
In a statement shared on X on Tuesday, the President of the NBA, Afam Osigwe (SAN), condemned the killings in strong terms and called on security agencies to swiftly identify, apprehend, and prosecute those responsible.
He described reports of gunmen unleashing violence on communities—resulting in multiple deaths and injuries—as deeply distressing, noting that the incident underscores the worsening insecurity confronting ordinary Nigerians.
“That this tragedy occurred on Palm Sunday, a sacred day for Christians marking the beginning of Holy Week, makes the incident even more heartbreaking.
“A day meant for prayer, reflection, and hope was instead turned into one of fear, bloodshed, and mourning. Families who should have returned home from worship in peace were thrown into grief, while communities united in faith were left shattered by violence. This cycle of attacks is unacceptable and must not be allowed to continue,” the statement read.
Osigwe warned that the recurring nature of such killings reflects a troubling pattern of impunity, adding that the failure to bring perpetrators to justice sends a dangerous signal that human life is expendable.
“Citizens begin to lose faith in the ability of the state to protect them, and communities are left to live in constant fear. The protection of lives and property remains the most fundamental responsibility of government, and the continued loss of innocent lives demands urgent, decisive, and transparent action,” he said.
The NBA called on security agencies to improve intelligence gathering and adopt proactive response strategies to prevent further attacks. It also urged both federal and state governments to take deliberate steps to secure affected communities.
“Beyond words, the victims and affected families deserve justice, support, and reassurance that their pain will not be ignored,” Osigwe added.
The association extended its condolences to the families of victims, as well as to the people and government of Plateau State.
It further warned that Nigeria cannot continue on a path where human life is devalued and communities live under constant threat, noting that the persistent attacks raise serious constitutional concerns, particularly regarding the right to life as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“Every Nigerian, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or location, has an inviolable right to life and security. When these rights are not protected, public confidence erodes, national cohesion weakens, and the rule of law is undermined,” the NBA stated.
