Members of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Imo StateOn Tuesday, held a peaceful protest following the continuous attacks, killings and kidnappings by armed men in the country.
The grievances have been exacerbated by the killing of Nnaemeka Ugboma, the Chairman of the Customary Court in Ejemekwuru, Oguta Local Government Area, on February 2.
Mr. Ugboma shot dead by armed men who arrived on motorbikes while he was presiding over a court hearing.
The lawyer also condemned the gruesome killing of the Sole Administrator of Ideato North Local Government Area, Chris Ohizu, among other incidents.
They walked with placards from Owerri bar center to the police headquarters near Government House, Owerri.
Some of the placards read “Violent attacks on Imo people must end now !! #SaveOurLand”, “Murder in court, stain on justice” and “We demand justice for the slain customary court chief #JusticeforUgboma,” among others.
In a communiqué read shortly before the protest, the Chairman, NBA Owerri branch, Damian Alinnor, expressed concern that insecurity in the state has become a state of worry.
“We hereby call on all kinds of people perpetrating violence and killings in the state to stop as soon as possible because the lives of Imo residents should not be lost for any reason.
“Imo State must not be reduced to a theater of war for any reason, known or unknown.
“Security agencies must be more prudent in their approach to security and be more proactive in safeguarding the lives and properties of Imo residents,” he said.
Boycott the court
Mr. Alinnor called for security around the court, including the construction of a perimeter fence as well as the establishment of a round table dialogue between government and non-state actors to address the perceived agitations.
He urged the government to act more proactively to safeguard the lives of Imo residents, especially members of the bar and bench.
According to Mr. Allinor, until members of the bar in Imo are sufficiently assured of the security of the court, the bar and litigants as well, may advise members not to enter the court.
“Under these circumstances, members of the bar in Imo have decided to boycott all courts from Monday, February 6 to Wednesday, February 8, and call on the relevant authorities to ensure the safety of the courts, the bar and litigants before the court resumes,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the communiqué was signed by the five chairmen of the Owerri, Orlu, Mbaise, Okigwe and Mbano/Etiti branches of the NBA in the state.
NBA members also observed a minute of silence in honor of Mr. Ugboma and others, who died due to insecurity in the country.
READ ALSO: What Buhari said in Imo – Presidency
However, neither the state Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Barde, nor senior police officers attended the protestors when they filed the report.
The police spokesman in the state, Henry Okoye, did not respond to calls and text messages seeking comment on the protest.
(AT)
Support journalism integrity and credibility PREMIUM TIMES
Good journalism costs a lot of money. But only good journalism can guarantee the possibility of a good society, responsible democracy, and transparent government.
For continued free access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask that you consider making a modest contribution to this noble effort.
By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you help keep journalism relevant and ensure it remains free and available to all.
contribute
AD TEXT: Call Willie – +2348098788999
