NBA Demands Overhaul of Plateau Security, Says Curfews Alone Cannot Stop Killings

Timescope News 

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for a comprehensive overhaul of security measures in Plateau State, warning that continued killings despite curfews require stronger and more coordinated action by government and security agencies.

The call was made by the NBA’s four branches in the state Jos, Pankshin, Bukuru and Shendam at a joint press conference in Jos. The lawyers raised concerns over persistent attacks in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Bokkos Local Government Areas.

Chairman of the NBA Jos Branch, Morgan Dung, who read the statement on behalf of the four branches, said the continued loss of lives had raised serious constitutional and governance concerns, particularly over the government’s responsibility to protect lives and property.

The NBA said reported attacks during the dusk-to-dawn curfew in Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu showed that restrictions on civilian movement alone could not resolve the security challenge.

It cited the killing of community vigilantes at Kyikyau village in Mangu during the curfew, alongside reported attacks in Kantoma, Bin-Per and Kasa communities, warning that the situation could further undermine public confidence and threaten law and order.

The association called on the Federal Government to sponsor an Executive Bill to move security to the Concurrent Legislative List, arguing that state governors should have greater authority over security operations within their jurisdictions.

It also demanded improved equipment and welfare for security personnel, stronger border surveillance, immediate deployment of combat vehicles to identified flashpoints, and investigations into alleged delayed responses, compromise and impersonation of security personnel.

The NBA commended the Plateau State Government for efforts to revive Operation Rainbow and the Neighbourhood Watch, including the training of personnel and procurement of security vehicles.

It, however, urged the government to deploy the vehicles to areas experiencing attacks, amend the Operation Rainbow Law, implement the Anti-Land Grabbing Law, and provide infrastructure for police divisions and Forward Operation Bases.

The lawyers further called on local government chairmen to reside within their areas of authority. They urged communities to strengthen intelligence gathering while avoiding the spread of unverified information and taking the law into their own hands.

On justice, the NBA demanded time-bound trials of terrorism cases, prosecution of individuals who finance or facilitate violent crimes, and public disclosure of outcomes in terrorism-related cases. It also called for protection and legal support for victims and witnesses.

The association said it would deploy its expertise in constitutional and criminal law, human rights, public interest litigation, alternative dispute resolution and legal aid to support lawful responses to insecurity and promote accountability for perpetrators.