The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has confirmed the fatalities in the Suleja area of Niger State and has pledged to take action in response. The incident occurred when security operatives forcefully dispersed a group of protesters, resulting in deaths and leaving many passengers stranded for hours.

Wasiu Abiodun, spokesman for the Niger Police Command, initially refrained from confirming the deaths but later issued a statement acknowledging the arrest of some individuals, though remaining silent on the fatalities.

The Chairman of the Suleja branch of the NBA, Abdullahi Liman, confirmed to Daily Trust that he had visited the residence of one of the deceased, Yahaya Nda Isah, to gather accurate information for further action. He stated, “The national level of the NBA has asked all the branches to constitute monitoring committees in respect of the protest. I got information that a man was shot dead and I came to the house of the victim to confirm things for myself, and I have seen the corpse.”

Liman added that the NBA is currently gathering information on the incident and will relay this to the national leadership to determine the next steps. He emphasized the undeniable nature of the incident.

Earlier reports highlighted the NBA’s commitment to providing pro bono legal services to any peaceful protesters who faced assault or intimidation during the nationwide hunger protest. NBA President, Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau (SAN), had instructed chairpersons of all 130 NBA branches to monitor the protests, underscoring the fundamental constitutional rights of citizens to assemble and protest.

This response by the NBA marks a significant stand in advocating for the rights of citizens and ensuring accountability for actions taken by security operatives during protests. The public and legal community are keenly awaiting further developments and actions from the NBA in addressing this grave issue. [Daily Trust]