Abakaliki
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abakaliki Branch, has unequivocally condemned in the strongest terms the barbaric and inhumane killing of over eleven (11) law-abiding citizens of Ebonyi State in Igboji town, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State. These innocent Nigerians, reportedly engaged in a peaceful community meeting, were mercilessly attacked and murdered by yet-to-be-identified assailants.
In a statement signed by Barr. Ede Samuel Ede, Abakaliki Branch Chairman of NBA, and made available to Journalists in Abakaliki, described the killing as an affront on the sanctity of human life.
Ede called for thorough investigation arrest and prosecution of culprits of the heinus crime.
"This dastardly act is a direct affront to the sanctity of human life, the rule of law, and the very foundations upon which our constitutional democracy stands. It is even more tragic that such a heinous massacre occurred in peacetime, targeting unarmed and innocent citizens whose only "crime" was their peaceful civic gathering.
"The Nigerian Constitution 1999 as amended in Section 33(1) clearly provides that "Every person has a right to life, and no one shall be deprived intentionally of his life..." except as sanctioned by a court of law. The actions of these criminals are not only unlawful but a clear violation of the constitutional rights and security of the victims.
"The NBA Abakaliki Branch hereby calls on the Federal Government of Nigeria, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and particularly the Executive Governors of Ebonyi and Anambra States, Their Excellencies Rt Hon Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru and Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo to respectively rise to the occasion by ensuring the following:
"Immediate deployment of security agencies to investigate, apprehend, and prosecute the perpetrators of this heinous crime to the fullest extent of the law.
"A full-scale, impartial investigation to unravel both the immediate and remote causes of this mass killing, including any political, ethnic, or communal motivations.
"Enhanced inter-state collaboration between Ebonyi and Anambra State Governments to forestall further attacks, promote peaceful coexistence, and foster proactive intelligence sharing.
"Furthermore, we call on the National Assembly and the respective State Assemblies to urgently work in synergy with the Executive Arms of government to enact, review, and implement practical legislative frameworks that will deter similar unprovoked acts of violence, especially in the Southeast region, which is increasingly becoming a theatre of insecurity and lawlessness.
"To the bereaved families, we extend our deepest condolences. The Nigerian Bar Association, Abakaliki Branch, stands in unshakable solidarity with you during this time of grief and tragedy. We assure you of our unwavering commitment to pursue justice through all legal avenues until the killers of your loved ones are brought to book.
"This is a time for national reflection and decisive leadership. The NBA insists that this must not be swept under the carpet.
"Justice must not only be done—it must be seen to be done"
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