Plateau Violence: Lawyers Demand State Police, Stronger Security Measures
The Nigerian Bar Association has called for urgent security and institutional reforms following renewed attacks and killings across several communities in Plateau State.
The call was made by the four NBA branches in the state — Jos, Bukuru, Pankshin and Shendam — during a joint press conference in Jos.
The lawyers condemned recent attacks in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Bokkos Local Government Areas, expressing concern over the continued loss of lives and destruction of property despite existing security measures.
The association said the recurring violence had raised serious concerns about the ability of government institutions to effectively protect residents.
NBA pushes for state police
One of the major demands of the association was the establishment of state police.
The NBA called for an executive bill to be presented to the National Assembly to move security matters to the Concurrent Legislative List, which would give state governments greater authority over security operations within their territories.
The lawyers argued that the existing security command structure had not adequately addressed the persistent attacks in Plateau.
They also called for better equipment and motivation for the Armed Forces and other security agencies, alongside stronger border surveillance around communities bordering Bauchi and Taraba states.
Lawyers seek stronger security presence
The association urged authorities to strengthen security operations in communities affected by recurring attacks.
It specifically called for the establishment of a military formation around the Pai River Game Reserve following concerns over criminal activities in the area and surrounding parts of Plateau, Bauchi and Taraba states.
The NBA also requested the immediate redeployment of security vehicles reportedly procured through state government intervention to areas experiencing security challenges.
It called for investigations into delayed responses to attacks and appropriate sanctions where security personnel are found to have failed in their duties.
State security initiatives acknowledged
The NBA acknowledged several security measures undertaken by the Plateau State Government, including the revamping of the neighbourhood watch and Operation Rainbow.
The association said about 2,000 personnel had been trained, while security vehicles and motorcycles had also been procured.
It further noted the establishment of a command and central monitoring centre in Jos and a committee working towards the creation of a state police service.
However, the lawyers urged the state government to facilitate the licensing of Operation Rainbow and neighbourhood watch personnel to operate relevant security equipment under the supervision of frontline security agencies.
They also called for amendments to the Plateau State Operation Rainbow law and implementation of the state’s Anti-Land Grabbing Law.
NBA seeks faster justice for terrorism cases
Beyond security operations, the lawyers called for reforms within the justice system.
They advocated time-bound trials for terrorism-related cases to ensure that prosecutions are concluded without unnecessary delays.
The NBA also urged the publication of the outcomes of terrorism-related trials involving identified sponsors and other actors where cases had been established.
The association said stronger accountability was necessary to improve public confidence in the justice system and discourage impunity.
Communities urged to support security efforts
The NBA also appealed to residents and traditional leaders to contribute to efforts to improve security.
Communities were encouraged to strengthen intelligence gathering and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
The lawyers cautioned residents against spreading unverified information, making inflammatory statements or taking the law into their own hands.
Traditional rulers were urged to protect the property of residents, monitor the movement of unidentified persons into their communities and promptly report unusual activities.
The association said its branches in Plateau would continue to support lawful efforts to protect lives, assist vulnerable and displaced persons and promote accountability through legal and institutional channels.
