The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has addressed a strongly-worded letter to President Bola Tinubu, expressing deep concern over the escalating insecurity across the country.
In the letter dated February 14, NBA President Yakubu Maikyau highlighted the alarming challenges of insecurity in Nigeria, citing the activities of bandits, terrorists, and the scourge of kidnapping for ransom.
Maikyau observed that bloodshed has become a daily occurrence, leaving many Nigerians homeless and numerous families and businesses destroyed.
The letter emphasized that the entire country is under siege from terrorists, bandits, and criminal gangs, challenging the sovereignty of Nigeria.
The increasing boldness of perpetrators and the apparent inability of security personnel to curb violent crimes were also highlighted.
The NBA President expressed concern about the spread of criminality throughout the country, diminishing the presence of law enforcement agencies and creating a situation where it is difficult to determine which square kilometer of Nigerian territory is under the control of the Federal Government.
Maikyau lamented the fundamental failure of Nigeria’s security architecture and operational capabilities, citing incidents such as the explosion in Bodija Area, Ibadan, Oyo State, on January 16, 2024.
The letter questioned how anyone, citizen or not, could store explosives in any part of Nigeria, causing havoc and displacing law-abiding citizens.
The NBA demanded that those involved in allowing explosives to be stored in such locations be identified and prosecuted, while those who suffered losses deserve compensation.
The letter expressed the loss of confidence in the ability of the Federal Government to address the security situation and called for government-people engagement to inform citizens about efforts to secure the nation.
The NBA recommended urgent government investment in the security sector, including equipment and manpower, with a focus on the right mindset, strategy, and tactics.
The letter also condemned attacks across the country, describing the bloodletting as inhuman, barbaric, and satanic.
It called for the trial of anyone who, by acts or omissions, contributed to the loss of government control over any part of the territory, stating that such individuals should be tried for treason.
“People who leverage on the woes of fellow countrymen to enrich themselves or further their cause of whatever nature, must be stopped by all means.
“We condemn these attacks across the country in the strongest terms; the bloodletting is inhuman, barbaric, and satanic to say the least.
“Anyone who by his acts or omissions, contributed to the government’s loss of control over any part of our territory, should be tried for treason,” the NBA stated.
