Lawyers in Anambra State will boycott court sittings for three days, to protest the killing of Francis Onwuachi, chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Onitsha branch, who was allegedly kidnapped and murdered by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
Onwuachi, who was said to be the president general of Omor, a community in Ayamelum Local Government Area of the state, was kidnapped by gunmen along Ezu River/Anaku road on March 12, while travelling to his hometown.
According to THISDAY, the lawyer was found dead on March 19.
Following the development, committee of chairmen and secretaries of NBA branches in Anambra resolved that all lawyers in the state should converge at the Government House, Awka, on Monday (today), to express dissatisfaction with the current security situation in the state.
In a statement signed by all the chairmen and secretaries of the various branches, the association bemoaned what it described as the worsening security situation in Anambra.
“The Committee of Chairmen and Secretaries of the Nigerian Bar Association Branches in Anambra State bemoans the worsening security situation in Anambra State and calls on the Federal Government, Anambra State Government and heads of Security agencies to wake up and be alive to their responsibilities of protecting lives and properties of the citizens.
“The Committee notes that the security situation in Anambra State is highly tensed up and frightening to say the least.
“Recently, there has been cases of kidnap and gruesome murder/killing of innocent citizens and security personnels in the State and nothing is being done to curb this frightening security challenges in the State.
“Just last week Friday, 12/3/2021, a Lawyer, Bar Frank Onwuachi, who is also the President General of Omor in Ayamelum LGA of Anambra State was kidnapped along Ezu River/Anaku road and gruesomely murdered the following day by his captors.
“On 19/3/2021, two Prison Officers were killed at Ekwulobia, Aguata LGA and this is barely 24 hours after Naval officers and policemen were killed at Awkuzu and Neni respectively. Also, a Naval Outpost close to Bridgehead was attacked sometimes last week resulting to the killings of some Naval officers and their weapons carted away.
“The Committee urgently calls on the State Government to as a matter of urgency summon a meeting of various Security agencies in the State to address this worrisome security situations and tackle it headlong. Failure by the State Government to act immediately may lead to a descent to anarchy.
“We all cannot continue to downplay the Security situation or pretend that all is well. The time to act is now.
“The Committee condoles with the NBA Otuocha Branch, the families of late Bar Frank Onwuachi and all security men killed by unknown gun men and prays that their souls rest in peace.
“The Committee resolves as follows:
- That all lawyers in Anambra State shall boycott all courts from Monday, 22/3/2021 to Wednesday, 24/3/2021.
- That all lawyers in Anambra State should converge at the Judiciary Headquarters, Awka on Monday, 22/3/2021 by 12 noon for onward movement to the Government House, Awka to express our dissatisfaction with the current security situation in Anambra State.
- Chairmen of Bar Branches in Anambra State are requested to sensitize their members and various Court heads to ensure compliance with the above directives,” it said.
