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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Makurdi branch, has staged a peaceful protest at the Police Command, demanding justice for the murder of their colleague in Otukpo town, Otukpo Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
Barrister Mike Ofikwu, the NBA Secretary in Otukpo, was murdered by gunmen at his residence in Otukpo on the night of Wednesday, 20 November 2024, upon returning from work.
Our correspondent reports that the lawyers, led by the NBA Chairman of the Makurdi branch, Barrister Terna Yaji, walked from the High Court in Makurdi to the police headquarters, where they were received by the Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Catherine Anene.
While demanding justice for the persistent assassinations of their colleagues, Yaji noted that the killing of Barrister Ofikwu was neither the first nor the second such incident.
He urged the police to go beyond routine investigations and conduct a thorough inquiry to ensure that all those involved in the heinous act are brought to justice.
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“The Federal High Court, National Industrial Court, and some other specialised courts in Benue have not sat today. All of us here have boycotted the courts for today. It should not be a one-time investigation where the police conduct routine procedures,” Yaji said.
“This has happened to us before, and it has happened again. We do not want it to happen anymore. We encourage you to intensify investigations into the matter.”
“We are here today because we recognise that the investigation of crimes is the responsibility of the police. If we have any information, we will assist, but we will allow the police to perform their constitutional role.”
Speaking on behalf of the Police Commissioner, CP Hassan Yabanet, the Command PPRO, SP Catherine Anene, condoled with the NBA and commended them for their peaceful protest.
Anene appealed for their patience and law-abiding conduct, assuring them that the Commissioner of Police is already working tirelessly to unravel the mystery behind their colleague’s murder.
“Please remain patient and law-abiding, as you have always been. We will uncover the truth behind the death of your colleague, and those responsible for this act will be brought to book. It is my prayer that God will console all of us,” she said.
