The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Jalingo Branch, has condemned the reported killing of residents of Binnari community in Karim-Lamido local government council of Taraba state, calling on the state government and security agencies to take urgent measures to protect lives and apprehend those responsible.
The association made the call in a statement issued on Sunday in Jalingo and signed by its Chairman, Dr. D. P. Saredau, following the reported attack by armed men on Friday.
The NBA described the loss of innocent lives as unacceptable, stressing that every citizen has a fundamental right to life and that the primary responsibility of government is to guarantee the security and welfare of the people.
“No community should be left to live in fear, and no family should have to endure the devastating loss of loved ones to preventable violence,” Saredau said.
The association urged the Taraba State Government, in collaboration with security agencies, to move beyond expressions of concern and implement urgent, coordinated and targeted security measures to prevent further attacks.
It called for the immediate deployment of adequate security personnel and resources to vulnerable communities, as well as the identification and arrest of those responsible for the killings.
The NBA also demanded thorough investigations and prosecution of the perpetrators in accordance with the law, alongside sustained security operations to protect residents from further attacks.
Additionally, the association urged community leaders and residents to cooperate with lawful security operations by providing credible information that could assist investigations and efforts to prevent further violence.
It cautioned against reprisals, collective blame and other actions capable of escalating tensions and worsening the security situation in the affected communities.
Reaffirming its position on the protection of fundamental rights, the NBA, Jalingo Branch, said the right to life was not a privilege that armed non-state actors could determine or deny.
According to the association, the state has a constitutional obligation to protect the lives of citizens, adding that the effectiveness of the government's response should be measured by its ability to prevent further killings, safeguard vulnerable communities and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Move beyond condemnation, stop further killings - NBA tells Taraba Govt