Women Lawyers Association Condemns Herdsmen’s Needless Killings

African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), has condemned the incessant and needless killings of innocent people and destruction of property, in the Middle Belt and its environs, by the Fulani Herdsmen.

A statement issued by the group and signed by its President, Mandy Asagba, also expressed worries about the near absence of protection of the people, by the Authorities charged with the responsibility of providing safety and security of its citizenry.

The group called on President Muhammadu Buhari and all the necessary security agencies, to put an end to the killings with immediate effect, and provide adequate and tight security at all the affected areas, schools and other public places, as well as farmlands.

They also demanded that the perpetrators be prosecuted, to prevent further violence.

“We condemn in its entirety, the incessant and needless killings of people and destruction of property in the Middle Belt and its environs, by the Fulani Herdsmen and bandits, as well as the near absence of protection of the people by the Authorities charged with the responsibility of providing safety and security of its citizenry.

“This is very worrisome and disheartening, to imagine that to date the killings have not stopped, but rather, are getting worse by the day.

“We call on the Commanderin-Chief of the Armed Forces, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and all the necessary security agencies, to put an end to this killings with immediate effect, and provide adequate and tight security in all the affected areas, schools, and other public places, as well as farm lands.

“We also demand that, the perpetrators be prosecuted, to prevent further violence. We desire also that, the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are given adequate protection and care, especially the women and children, who are the worst hit. We call on all Nigerians, to lend a helping hand to the victims of these attacks, who are living in fear, hopelessness and hunger.

“We commiserate with families of the victims, and pray that the Lord grant them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. We are also appealing to well meaning citizens, who can assist with information, to please, send such information to the appropriate authorities.

“In addition, we suggest that the State Governors of the affected States, should be proactive, they should think outside the box, they have security funds which can be channeled towards providing adequate security to their citizens. It is clear that some of these herders/bandits may not be Nigerians, so our borders must have adequate security. They should take a cue from the Lagos State Government, by setting up Security Trust Funds.

“They should also collaborate with the Government from neighbouring countries they share borders with, to tighten security”, AWLA stated.