By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned the gruesome attacks on innocent residents in Jos, Plateau State, which occurred on Palm Sunday.
In a statement issued by its President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, the association described reports of gunmen unleashing violence on communities, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries, as deeply distressing.
The NBA said the incident underscores the worsening insecurity facing ordinary Nigerians engaged in lawful and peaceful activities.
The association noted that the timing of the attack on Palm Sunday—a sacred day marking the beginning of Holy Week for Christians—made the tragedy even more heartbreaking.
It lamented that a day meant for prayer and reflection was instead marked by fear, bloodshed and mourning, as families and communities were left devastated.
According to the NBA, the recurring nature of such attacks reflects a troubling pattern of impunity, warning that the failure to bring perpetrators to justice sends a dangerous signal that human life is expendable.
It added that the situation erodes public confidence in the ability of government to safeguard lives and property.
The association called on security agencies to urgently identify, apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the killings.
It also urged the Federal and State Governments to strengthen security presence in vulnerable communities across Plateau State and other flashpoints nationwide, improve intelligence gathering and adopt proactive response strategies to prevent further attacks.
Beyond condemnation, the NBA stressed that victims and affected families deserve justice, support and reassurance that their plight will not be ignored.
The association extended its condolences to the bereaved families, as well as to the people and government of Plateau State, expressing solidarity with all those affected by the violence.
It further warned that the continued loss of innocent lives raises serious constitutional and governance concerns, particularly regarding the protection of the right to life as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The NBA maintained that every Nigerian, regardless of ethnicity, religion or location, has an inviolable right to life and security, stressing that failure to uphold these rights undermines national cohesion and the rule of law.
