Jos, April 22, 2025 — The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called on the Federal Government to urgently allow states to establish their own police forces as a constitutional step toward halting the rising tide of violence and killings across the country, particularly in Plateau State.

At a joint press conference held in Jos on Tuesday, Leah Hassan, Chairperson of the NBA Jos Branch, speaking on behalf of the four NBA branches in the state, condemned the recent attacks in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas. The attacks have left dozens dead, communities displaced, and entire villages in mourning.

“We cannot continue to be silent in the face of these barbaric and evil acts of killing innocent citizens and taking over their ancestral lands. States should be allowed to establish state police who will be armed with weapons to defend our communities,” Hassan said.

The association described the continued violence as premeditated and a direct affront to the rule of law and the fundamental right to life guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.

Referencing a statement by NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN) on April 15, Hassan reaffirmed the NBA’s position that it is the constitutional duty of the government to protect lives and property. She emphasized that “rhetoric is no longer enough,” and called for immediate action.

NBA’s Key Demands:

1. Legalization and establishment of state police with full authority and arms to defend local communities.
2. Immediate arrest and prosecution of all attackers, with trials conducted in Plateau State to ensure transparency and public confidence.
3. Deployment of adequate security personnel to vulnerable areas with clear operational mandates.
4. Provision of relief and rehabilitation for affected persons, especially displaced women and children.
5. Creation of a conflict resolution and early-warning mechanism in partnership with civil society, local leaders, and security stakeholders.
6. Community empowerment with self-defense tools due to the inadequacy of current security measures.

“This is not a communal clash,” Hassan stressed, “but a deliberate and well-coordinated campaign to wipe out helpless citizens as they sleep.”

The NBA applauded the efforts of the Plateau State Government but said more must be done at both state and federal levels to prevent further bloodshed.

“The continued bloodletting in Plateau State must no longer be met with indifference or vague promises. The slogan should no longer be ‘Enough is enough’ but ‘This is enough – let’s stand up and take action.’”

The NBA concluded by pledging to leverage all legal and moral platforms available to push for justice, peace, and the security of Plateau State residents.

As security concerns intensify nationwide, the NBA’s call is expected to reignite debates on state policing—an issue long resisted by the federal government but increasingly viewed as essential to addressing Nigeria’s complex security challenges.