The Nigerian Bar Association in Plateau State has called for the prosecution of suspects arrested in connection with the recent attacks in the State and not be taken to Abuja.
The NBA also said States across the country should be allowed to establish State Police who will be armed with weapons to defend their communities.
Recall that recently over 100 people lost their lives and properties destroyed as a result of attacks in Bokkos and Bassa LGAs of the State.
The call was made by the four branches of the association in Plateau State (Jos, Bukuru, Pankshin and Shendam), through the Jos Branch chairman, Barr. Leah Dagung, while briefing journalists in Jos the State Capital.
She said, “That all perpetrators who are arrested be prosecuted in the State and not be taken to Abuja where we do not hear anything about them again, indicating that they have been released.
“That States should be allowed to establish State Police who will be armed with weapons to defend our communities bxeach . : early warning mechanism through collaboration with community leaders, civil society and security stakeholders.
“The Communities be allowed to defend themselves, we therefore demand that the Federal Government empower vulnerable Communities with Self defense mechanism and equipments since the Security Personnel we have are not enough to secure our lives.
She called for the provision of relief and rehabilitation for affected persons.
“The Nigerian Bar Association on the Plateau will not stand by while our communities are turned into killing fields.
“We shall continue to use all legal and moral platforms available to us to demand justice, accountability and peace for our people”, she stressed.
