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PLATEAU, Nigeria - Due to the assaults and homicides occurring in Plateau State by alleged Fulani militia, the four branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in the area have suggested that the former motto of “Enough is enough” be revised to “This is Enough; let us Stand up and take Action.”
This call comes after several prominent Christian figures, such as Yomi Kasali, Ayo Oritsejafor, Mike Okonkwo, Yusuf Biniyat, and Isa el Buba, participated in a concert on Monday evening aimed at raising funds for victims of insurgency in the North.
The Plateau NBA advocated for communities to be permitted to defend themselves and urged the Federal Government to equip vulnerable communities with self-defence tools and resources, as existing security forces are insufficient to protect citizens.
These points, among others, were presented by the four branches of the NBA in Jos during a press briefing at the NUJ State Secretariat. The branches consist of Jos, Pankshin, Bukuru, and Shendam.
Speaking to reporters, the Chairman of Jos NBA and its leader, Leah Hassan, expressed the branches' sorrow over the recent violent incidents in Bokkos and Bassa, which resulted in numerous fatalities, injuries, displacements, trauma, and mourning among the populace.
She stated: “It is deeply distressing that while Plateau has yet to heal from the horrors of prior attacks, our peace has again been disrupted by another wave of senseless and brutal killings.
“These violent acts are a blatant attack on our collective humanity, the rule of law, and the fundamental right to life as protected by our Constitution.” The national NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), echoed calls for the Federal Government to fulfill its duty to protect the lives of all citizens.
The concert, hosted by the Foundation of Truth Assembly (FOTA) Church in Lagos, took place at the Federal Palace Hotel on Victoria Island, Lagos.
The goal was to raise awareness and elicit empathy for the victims of insurgency in the Northern region.
Christian leaders leveraged the event to explore means of providing aid to those affected.
Widows from the North were present, sharing their stories of losing their husbands to violence and the challenges they face in raising their children alone.
The event featured musical performances by notable Nigerian gospel artists, including Mike Abdul, Kaestring, Abbey Ojomu, Wisdom Chigozie, among others, who performed songs intended to motivate state actors to combat insurgency in the nation.
Kasali, the event's convener and Senior Pastor of FOTA, noted that Christians in the North require the support of their brethren in the South to maintain their faith.
He mentioned that the political polarization of the Christian community after the 2015 general elections has contributed to some of the insecurity challenges faced in the country.
