ABUJA – The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) voices concern over the nation’s vulnerability to terrorists, bandits, and criminal groups, labeling the escalating insecurity as reaching “alarming proportions”.
In a letter dated February 14, 2024, titled “State of the Nation” and signed by NBA President Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, addressed to President Bola Tinubu, the association questions the extent of Federal Government control over the country.
“The entire nation is besieged by terrorists, bandits, and criminal elements. It is increasingly difficult, if not impossible, to ascertain which areas of Nigerian territory remain under the authority of the Federal Government.”
NBA highlights the prevalence of kidnappings and violence as daily occurrences, instilling fear among citizens about their safety
The letter states, “From the abduction of students and educators in Ekiti to ongoing violence in the Northwestern states, the massacres in Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Kwara, the sabotage of infrastructure in Bauchi; the murders in Anambra, Imo, Enugu, and across the nation, including the Federal Capital Territory – the seat of federal governance.”
The letter further emphasizes how criminal activities have displaced numerous Nigerians, destroying families and businesses. Rather than diminishing, the level of insecurity in the country continues to escalate.
Maikyau points to the overwhelmed security forces, citing instances of violence in Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Kwara, and the kidnapping incidents in Ekiti, indicating their inability to contain the situation.
He expresses doubt about the government’s approach to safeguarding lives and property, particularly when the National Assembly prioritizes personal welfare projects amidst these challenges, often with significant financial allocations.
The NBA president underscores the loss of confidence among Nigerians in the government’s ability to address the security crisis, advocating for meaningful engagement between the government and the people to outline plans for changing the prevailing narrative.