The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called on the Federal Government to authorize the creation of state police forces as a strategic response to the escalating violence and insecurity plaguing parts of the country, particularly Plateau State.
This call was made on Tuesday by Leah Hassan, Chairperson of the NBA Jos Branch, during a press conference held in Jos. The event was attended by leaders of the three other NBA branches in Plateau State.
Hassan expressed deep concern over the recent deadly attacks in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas, which left many dead and displaced, and described the violence as premeditated and targeted.
“Innocent citizens are being slaughtered in their sleep, their ancestral homes seized, and communities displaced. This is not a communal clash, but a deliberate act of terror. The Federal Government must allow the establishment of state police forces, adequately armed and equipped to protect our people,” she said.
She added that the NBA is dismayed by the ongoing bloodshed and called for urgent government intervention through the deployment of security personnel, empowerment of affected communities, and prosecution of those responsible.
“The killings must not be treated with indifference or vague promises. There must be visible justice and clear accountability,” Hassan stressed.
The NBA further demanded that perpetrators of the violence be prosecuted in Plateau State rather than transferred to Abuja, where, according to the association, cases often disappear from public attention.
Hassan referenced a statement released on April 15, 2025, by NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), which urged the government to fulfill its constitutional obligation of protecting lives and property. She said the Plateau branches fully align with that position.
“The continuous loss of lives in Plateau is a direct assault on our collective humanity, the rule of law, and the constitutional right to life,” Hassan stated. “We support the President’s call for the government to uphold its duty and take decisive steps.”
In addition to its call for state police, the NBA outlined other critical demands, including:
Immediate identification and prosecution of all suspects involved in the attacks.
Deployment of adequate, fully equipped security personnel to vulnerable areas.
Establishment of a legally backed state policing system to ensure community protection.
Creation of a conflict resolution and early warning mechanism involving civil society and community leaders.
Empowerment of residents with lawful self-defense tools.
Prompt provision of humanitarian aid, rehabilitation, and resettlement support for displaced persons.
While acknowledging efforts made by the Plateau State Government so far, the association emphasized that more must be done to prevent further attacks.
“We cannot continue to bury our people and mourn in silence. Enough is enough. We must act decisively and collectively to secure our communities,” Hassan concluded.
The NBA reaffirmed its commitment to using legal and advocacy tools to pursue justice, peace, and security for the people of Plateau State and Nigeria at large.
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