NBA condemns Kebbi school abductions, military killings

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has once again raised its voice against the rising tide of violence and insecurity across the country. From mass kidnappings in Kebbi to attacks in Plateau and Benue, the NBA has condemned the killings as a blatant failure of the government to protect its citizens and uphold the rule of law.

According to NBA President Afam Osigwe, SAN, these attacks expose glaring deficiencies in Nigeria’s internal security system. The NBA demands swift justice, insisting that perpetrators be arrested and prosecuted, warning that continued inaction erodes public trust in government and the institutions meant to safeguard lives.

In a bold move, the NBA has also called for communities in high-risk areas to be allowed to defend themselves, citing insufficient deployment of security personnel and the vulnerability of citizens to armed attacks. They argue that the time for selective security responses is over; lives cannot continue to be political chess pieces.

The recent abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi, with the tragic death of the Vice Principal, highlights the urgency of the crisis. The NBA has demanded a time-bound rescue mission and a public inquiry into the security lapses that enabled the attack. They further call for accountability for collaborators, financiers, and enablers of terrorism, including those within the security apparatus itself.

Beyond condemning the attacks, the NBA has drawn attention to extrajudicial killings by security agencies, emphasizing the need for investigations, prosecution of erring officers, and reform in how law enforcement interacts with citizens. According to their position, the twin problems of insecurity and impunity are interlinked: failure to check one fuels the other.

The NBA described the two incidents as part of escalating terrorist aggression targeting both civilians and security forces.

“These terrorists are not only attacking unarmed civilians; they are now openly targeting members of the armed forces. The grim message is clear: no one is safe,” the NBA stated.

The association also referenced a recent intelligence alert issued by the Department of State Services (DSS), warning of planned ISWAP attacks in Ondo and Kogi States, describing the threat as a “clear and present danger.”

The NBA president, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, called for decisive leadership and demanded a time-bound rescue mission for the abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi and a full public inquiry into the security lapses that enabled the killing of Brigadier-General Uba and his colleagues.

He further urges the prosecution of all collaborators, financiers, and enablers of terrorism, including those within or outside the security system, and pressed for the complete implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative to protect educational institutions in high-risk areas.

He praised the teacher who died defending students during the Kebbi attack and paid tribute to Brigadier-General Uba and the fallen soldiers.

“This is not just about security. It is about leadership. It is about justice. Above all, it is about the soul of this nation. Silence is complicity. Delay is dangerous. The time to act is now,” he said.

The NBA reaffirms its commitment, stating that it won’t be silent while Nigeria edges towards a National tragedy of unimaginable proportions.