The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA),Minna Branch in Niger State has described the attacked on St. Mary’s Catholic school,in Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area by some gang of Islamic state of West Africa Province (ISWAP) as horrific
This was contained in a Press statement signed by the Chairman NBA Minna branch Isyaku Barau Esq and made available to Journalists in Minna at the Weekend, condemning in strong terms the act in which unspecified numbers of innocent pupils, students and teachers were violently abducted by terrorists.
According to the NBA Chairman,this reprehensible act is not only an assault on the right to education and the sanctity of human life,”but also yet another painful reminder of the widening insecurity that continues to afflict our dear state and nation”
Barrister Isyaku Barau also call on the perpetrators of this heinous crime to as matter of urgency and unconditionally release all the abducted students, pupils teachers and staff without further delay noting that no grievance or motive “ can justify the terror unleashed on these harmless children and educators who were merely pursuing knowledge and contributing to the society”
“We further call on the Government of Niger State, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and all security agencies to, as a matter of utmost urgency, activate every lawful mechanism and deploy all necessary resources to ensure the swift and safe rescue of the abducted victims. Time is of the essence, and every moment counts in securing their return” he declared
This tragedy according to the NBA Chairman again brings to the fore the persistent danger of banditry and terrorism that confronts us as a people.” It should remind us of similar recent incidents, including the abduction of hundreds of citizens across various communities, among whom are our own colleagues and members of the NBA Minna Branch Ahmed Mohammed Bargu, and Isyaku Mohammed Danjuma who have remained in captivity for nearly two months. Their continued detention is deeply distressing, and we reiterate our demand for their immediate release along with all other victims”
“We call on all Nigerlites and Nigerians to stand united against this common threat. Terrorism seeks to divide, weaken, and terrify us. Our collective resilience, vigilance, and cooperation with lawful authorities are essential in confronting this menace. Communities must remain alert, adopt safety and cautionary measures, and promptly report suspicious movements to the appropriate security agencies”
At this difficult moment, “we turn to Almighty God, praying earnestly for the protection, safety, and swift rescue of all abducted victims, the students of St. Mary’s Catholic School, their teachers, our colleagues, and countless others held in captivity. May God grant courage to their families and wisdom to those charged with securing their freedom” he noted.
The NBA Minna Branch remains committed to advocating for justice, security, and the rule of law in Niger State and Nigeria at large.
