TDThe Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has issued a powerful condemnation of the Palm Sunday attacks in Jos, Plateau State, where gunmen unleashed violence on worshippers and residents, leaving multiple people dead and injured.
The incident has reignited national outrage and intensified calls for decisive government action to stem Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
NBA’s Statement
In a press release signed by Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, President of the NBA, the association described the killings as “gruesome” and “deeply distressing”.
Osigwe stressed that the tragedy was particularly heartbreaking because it occurred on Palm Sunday, a sacred day marking the beginning of Holy Week for Christians.
“A day meant for prayer, reflection, and hope was instead turned into a day of fear, bloodshed, and mourning,” the statement declared.
The NBA emphasized that the attacks were not isolated but part of a disturbing cycle of violence that has plagued Plateau State and other regions, often leaving communities devastated and fearful.
Call for Action
The association demanded urgent intervention from both Federal and State Governments, outlining key measures:
- Strengthened security presence in vulnerable communities and flashpoints across Plateau State.
- Improved intelligence gathering to anticipate and prevent attacks rather than merely reacting afterward.
- Swift prosecution of perpetrators, to break the cycle of impunity that emboldens attackers.
The NBA warned that repeated mass killings without accountability send a dangerous message that human life is expendable, eroding public trust in the government’s ability to protect its citizens.
It extended heartfelt condolences to the families of victims and the people of Plateau State, pledging solidarity with all affected communities.
It underscored that the protection of life and property is the most fundamental responsibility of government, and failure to uphold this duty undermines national cohesion and the rule of law.
Broader Implications
The association highlighted the constitutional dimension of the crisis.
It noted that the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) guarantees the right to life for every citizen.
The recurring violence, it warned, raises grave governance concerns and threatens Nigeria’s stability.
“Nigeria cannot continue on this dangerous path where human life is cheapened, and communities live under constant threat,” the NBA cautioned.
Context: Plateau State’s Troubled History
Plateau State has long been a flashpoint for communal and sectarian violence.
Over the past two decades, clashes between farmers and herders, ethnic groups, and religious communities have repeatedly erupted, often resulting in mass casualties.
Despite numerous government promises, security responses have frequently been criticized as slow, reactive, or inadequate.
The Palm Sunday killings add to a grim tally of tragedies in the region, underscoring the urgent need for systemic reforms in Nigeria’s security architecture.
Outlook
The NBA’s intervention reflects growing frustration among civil society and professional bodies over the government’s handling of insecurity.
Analysts warn that unless decisive steps are taken, such attacks will continue to destabilize communities, weaken national unity, and undermine faith in democratic governance.
This report captures the NBA’s strong condemnation and situates the Palm Sunday killings within Nigeria’s broader insecurity crisis.
