Amid relentless attacks in Plateau State by suspected Fulani militia, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) branches across the state have made a bold call for community-led self-defence, arguing that the government alone cannot ensure citizens’ safety.
Speaking during a press briefing at the NUJ State Secretariat in Jos, representatives from the four Plateau NBA branches—Jos, Pankshin, Bukuru, and Shendam—declared the old mantra of “Enough is enough” outdated.
“This is Enough and let us Stand up and take Action,” they stated.
Leah Hassan, Chairperson of the Jos NBA and spokesperson for the group, expressed deep concern over the continued bloodshed, particularly in Bokkos and Bassa local councils.
“It is utterly heart-wrenching that while Plateau has yet to recover from the horror and pain of previous attacks, our peace is once again shattered by another wave of senseless and barbaric killings,” she lamented.
“These acts of violence are a direct assault on our shared humanity, the rule of law and the fundamental right to life as enshrined in our Constitution,” Hassan added.
The NBA urged the Federal Government to provide vulnerable communities with tools and legal frameworks for self-defence, arguing that current security deployments are grossly inadequate.
Their statement emphasized the need for empowering citizens until lasting solutions to insecurity are found.
Meanwhile, in a show of solidarity and compassion, prominent Christian leaders gathered in Lagos for a benefit concert aimed at raising funds and awareness for victims of northern insurgency.
The concert, organized by the Foundation of Truth Assembly (FOTA) Church and held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, drew a significant crowd.
The event featured performances by gospel stars including Mike Abdul, Kaestring, Abbey Ojomu, and Wisdom Chigozie, with songs focused on peace and national healing.
Some widows from the affected northern communities were also in attendance, sharing emotional stories of how they lost their husbands and now face the daunting task of raising children alone.
Pastor Yomi Kasali, Senior Pastor of FOTA and convener of the concert, stressed the need for empathy among Nigerian Christians.
“Christians in the North needed the empathy of their counterparts in the South to keep faith,” he said.
According to him, the body of Christ in Nigeria has suffered due to political polarisation following the 2015 elections—one of the factors that has contributed to deepening insecurity.
National NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), also weighed in on the crisis, calling on the Federal Government to “rise up to its responsibility of safeguarding the life of every citizen.”
