9 people have been confirmed dead, including 3 of our colleagues; dozens injured and the whereabouts of many are yet unknown.
These attacks, leading to killings, injuries and abduction of countless Nigerians across the country have become a daily occurrence and we as citizens have become insensitive to them. These victims are not just numbers; they are Nigerians like each of us, who have dreams, aspirations, dependants and loved ones. They were simply at the right place at the wrong time. They chose the best possible option to travel in the prevailing circumstances.
My heart goes out to these fallen Nigerians. The Welfare Committee of the NBA which I have the honor of leading, will be reaching out to the families of our slain colleagues to identify and condole with them over this unfortunate incident.
Our armed forces who are apparently overstretched, underfunded, ill-equipped and inadequately motivated must be commended for their selfless service amidst almost impossible odds.
Government at all levels, particularly the Federal Government must rise up to its primary and constitutional responsibility of protecting the lives and properties of Nigerians. Enough of paper condemnation of avoidable attacks! Enough of promises of a safer Nigeria without corresponding action! Enough of these senseless killings and abduction of Nigerians!
Whilst we continue to press the government to live up to its duty of protecting citizens, we as Nigerians must be alert and pray for a better day. We must not become numb to these occurrences simply because they are frequent and, in some instances, distant.
These are indeed dark days for our Nation and once more, I commiserate with the families of the deceased. May the souls of the departed find peace, even as we pray for speedy recovery of the injured and the quick freedom of the abducted.
God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Y. C Maikyau, SAN
Chairman
NBA Welfare Committee
