Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has condemned the persistent killings and abductions of unarmed Nigerians, particularly in Benue and Plateau States, calling the situation “unacceptable and preventable.”
Falana, who chairs the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), made this known in a strongly worded statement issued on Monday. He lamented the Federal Government’s lack of urgency in addressing the continued assaults on vulnerable communities by armed herders and gunmen.
While commending the swift response of security agencies and the Edo State Government following the recent killing of 16 people in Uromi, Falana highlighted the disparity in how similar cases are handled across the country. He praised Governor Monday Okpebholo’s proactive steps, including visiting Kano State to commiserate with the families of the deceased and pledging financial support.
“There is no doubt that the swift arrest of suspects and intervention by the Edo and Federal Governments helped to calm tensions and prevent reprisal attacks,” Falana stated.
However, he expressed dismay over the Federal Government’s silence and inaction regarding the spate of killings in Benue and Plateau States. He stressed that the Nigerian government has a constitutional responsibility to protect lives and bring the perpetrators of such attacks to justice.
“The Federal Government owes the Nigerian people a duty to fish out the culprits involved in the barbaric killing of innocent people in Benue and Plateau and other parts of the country,” he declared.
Falana also urged the Attorneys-General of Edo, Benue, and Plateau States to ensure that suspects in custody are swiftly charged to court to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
Pointing out the presence of armed security personnel in every part of the country, the senior advocate questioned why similar energy shown during elections couldn’t be applied to ensure everyday security.
“If law enforcement agencies can be mobilised en masse during elections, the same effort should be applied to protect citizens daily,” he said.
Falana further called on state governments to deepen community engagement by encouraging residents to share intelligence with security operatives to help forestall future attacks.
“To achieve security, the Nigerian state must earn the trust and cooperation of its people. We cannot afford to remain passive while our citizens are killed or abducted daily,” he warned.
His comments reflect mounting public concern over the deteriorating security situation in parts of the country and growing demands for a people-oriented and coordinated response from government at all levels.
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