The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed deep concern over the worsening insecurity across the country, warning that Nigeria’s democratic gains remain under threat as many citizens continue to live under the fear of attacks, kidnappings, and violence.
The President of the Association Afam Osigwe, SAN, made this know In a Democracy Day statement, noting that the significance of June 12 goes beyond the conduct of elections, also stressing that democracy must guarantee the protection of lives and property, respect for fundamental rights, and the welfare of citizens.
The NBA described the continued captivity of school children and teachers abducted in Oyo State as an indication of the nation’s security challenges and urged authorities to intensify efforts towards their immediate rescue.
It also referenced recent violent attacks in Kogi State, where armed bandits reportedly killed a vice principal, a six-year-old child, and another person during an attack on a secondary school, as well as the abduction of community elders on a peace mission in Zamfara State.
According to the association, the recurring cases of kidnappings, killings, and attacks on communities across the country portray a disturbing situation in which criminal groups appear to be operating without fear.
The NBA called on the Federal Government and security agencies to treat the deteriorating security situation as a national emergency, insisting that the constitutional duty of government to safeguard lives and property must be demonstrated through urgent and sustained action.
It noted that democracy can only thrive in an environment where citizens can live, learn, work, and pursue their aspirations without fear, adding that the ideals of the June 12 struggle cannot be fully realised while insecurity remains widespread.
The association further urged public office holders to uphold the principles of the rule of law, accountability, transparency, and good governance, while calling on members of the judiciary and legal profession to protect the integrity of democratic institutions ahead of future elections.
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