NBA Reacts As Police Allegedly Shot Dead Protesters In Suleja

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has affirmed its commitment to addressing the recent incidents of violence in the Suleja area of Niger State, following reports of fatalities.

Daily Trust reported recently that a number of individuals lost their lives when security forces resorted to the use of force to disperse a gathering of protesters who had blocked a significant roadway, resulting in passengers being stranded for several hours.

Upon inquiry regarding the shootings, Wasiu Abiodun, the spokesperson for the Niger Police Command, expressed his intention to investigate the matter and provide a response to newsmen.

In a subsequent statement regarding the protest, the spokesperson for the police force, who is responsible for shaping the public image of the police, remained silent on the fatalities.

However, he did mention that several individuals involved in the disturbance were apprehended.

Nonetheless, Abdullahi Liman, the Chairman of the Suleja branch of the NBA, was reached by journalists for a telephone conversation.

He reported that following the directives of the national president of the NBA, he had visited the residence of one of the deceased individuals, Yahaya Nda Isah, to gather reliable information for the purpose of taking further action.

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“The national level of the NBA has asked all the branches to constitute monitoring committees in respect of the protest.

“So, we are going around to see what is really happening. I got information that a man was shot dead and I came to the house of the victim (Yahaya Nda Isah) to confirm things for myself and I have seen the corps.

“So, what we are doing now is to gather information in respect of the incident and I will reach out to the national level so that we know what to do next in respect of the issue. This cannot be denied,” the NBA chief said.

Previously, the NBA pledged to offer pro bono legal assistance to any peaceful demonstrators who were assaulted or intimidated during the nationwide hunger strike.

The President of the NBA, Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau (SAN), issued a directive to the chairpersons of all 130 NBA branches nationwide, instructing them to oversee the protest.

This directive was made in acknowledgement of the constitutional rights of citizens to assemble and express their grievances through peaceful protest.