Lawyers practicing in Anambra State, under all the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) branches in the state, have begun a protest over the constant kidnapping and murder of lawyers in the state.

An official memo sent out to all branches of the association in the state, signed by the Chairman of the Committee of Chairmen and Secretaries, NBA Branches, Anambra State, I. C. Nsofor, which was sighted by Newsmen, stated that the reason was due to the recent kidnap and killing of lawyers in the state.

The memo reminded lawyers in the state that their colleague and secretary of the Idemili branch of the NBA, C.J.S. Azoro, was still in the custody of his captors after being kidnapped early this month.

The memo read further, “As if that was not enough, the Vice Chairman of the NBA Ihiala Branch and Principal State Counsel, Awa P. Awa, was gruesomely murdered by unidentified gunmen at Okija on Sunday, May 19, 2024. These are the most recent attacks on lawyers.

“The recent resurgence of insecurity in the state and targeted attacks on the bar and the bench is worrisome, as lawyers are fast becoming endangered species.

“In consequence thereof, following the emergency meeting of the Committee of Chairmen and Secretaries of the Bar branches in Anambra State on Monday, May 20, 2024, it is resolved as follows: there shall be a boycott of courts in Anambra State by lawyers from Tuesday, May 21, 2024, to Monday, May 27, 2024.

“This is to enable lawyers in the state to protest and address the state of insecurity in the state, as there is palpable fear of insecurity among lawyers, and no one knows who may be next.”

The memo stated further that there shall be a peaceful protest of all lawyers in Anambra State on Thursday (today), followed by a press conference, and that lawyers are to converge at the judiciary headquarters in their High Court attire, without wigs and gowns.