The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the abduction of a young lawyer, his sister, and several others by gunmen in Kogi State, describing the incident as “another sad reminder of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.”
According to reports, the victims were kidnapped while traveling along a major highway in the state, a route notorious for frequent attacks by armed bandits. Their whereabouts remain unknown, and the abductors are yet to make contact with the families.
In a statement issued on Saturday, NBA President, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), expressed deep concern over the rising wave of kidnappings targeting both legal practitioners and ordinary citizens. He called on security agencies to act swiftly to rescue the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“The abduction of our colleague and his sister is not only tragic but also an indictment of the state of security in our country. Lawyers, like all citizens, must be able to go about their lawful duties without fear of violence or abduction,” Maikyau stated.
The association urged both the federal and Kogi State governments to intensify efforts in tackling insecurity, stressing that the safety of lives and property is a fundamental responsibility of government.
Meanwhile, family members of the abducted lawyer have appealed for urgent intervention, saying the incident has left them traumatized.
Residents of the area have also raised alarm over the increasing rate of kidnappings in Kogi, calling for more patrols and intelligence-driven operations to secure highways and rural communities.
