The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has raised alarm over the country’s worsening security situation, declaring that Nigeria is increasingly appearing to be “under siege” by criminal elements operating across different parts of the country.
In a Democracy Day statement issued on Friday, NBA President, Afam Osigwe, called on the Federal Government and security agencies to treat insecurity as a national emergency and take urgent steps to rescue citizens held captive by kidnappers and bandits.
Osigwe said the frequency and brazenness of attacks across the country were creating the impression that criminal groups were operating unchecked, terrorising communities with little resistance.
The NBA president specifically expressed concern over the continued captivity of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, describing their ordeal as a painful reminder of the urgent need for more effective measures to protect vulnerable Nigerians and restore public confidence in the state’s ability to guarantee security.
He noted that the Oyo abduction was not an isolated incident, citing a recent bandit attack on a secondary school in Kogi State that reportedly claimed the lives of a vice principal, a six-year-old child and another victim. He also referenced the abduction of community elders on a peace mission in Zamfara State, saying the incidents underscored the grave security challenges confronting the nation.
According to Osigwe, democracy cannot be measured solely by the conduct of elections but must also be reflected in the protection of lives and property, respect for fundamental rights, access to justice, accountability in governance and the welfare of citizens.
“A democracy can only flourish where citizens are able to live, work, learn and pursue their aspirations in safety and dignity,” he said, warning that the promise of democracy could not be fully realised in an atmosphere of fear, insecurity and uncertainty.
The NBA president made the remarks as Nigerians marked Democracy Day, which commemorates the June 12, 1993 presidential election and honours the sacrifices of pro-democracy activists, including late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, who fought for the restoration of democratic rule.
While paying tribute to the heroes of June 12, Osigwe urged public office holders and government institutions to remain committed to the ideals of constitutionalism, accountability, transparency, inclusion and the rule of law.
He also called on members of the Bench and the Bar to uphold their constitutional responsibilities ahead of future elections, stressing that neither the courts nor legal practitioners should be used as instruments to subvert the will of the people.
Osigwe maintained that preserving Nigeria’s democracy requires courage, independence, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to justice, fairness and constitutional governance.
