NBA Calls for Declaration of State of Emergency on Security in Edo

Following the near-deplorable security situation in Edo State, the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Benin branch, yesterday called for the declaration of state of emergency on the state of security in the state.

The call was contained in a joint statement signed by the association Chairman, Mr. Collins Ogiebaen, and Secretary, Mr. Pius Oiwoh, which was made available to journalists.

The association said the call became necessary due to the rising wave of insecurity across the state.

The statement added that no fewer than eight lawyers and judges have been abducted across the state within the last nine months, with the most recent being the abduction of Justice Chioma Nwosu-Iheme last Wednesday.

The Bar vowed to shut down all court proceedings in the state should the law enforcement agencies fail to secure the release of Nwosu-Iheme.

The body gives the state government 72 hours to secure the release of the Justice.

In the statement, the NBA, which condemned the worsening security situation in the state, said bandits and kidnappers have laid siege in the state, calling on the state government to as a matter of urgency, overhaul the security architecture of the state.

According to them, “The security of lives and property is the responsibility of government. Our judicial officers must also be given adequate security in their homes, work place and while moving from one place to another. Lawyers and indeed other citizens must be adequately protected.