The Kebbi chapter of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has directed its members to stop travelling to nine local government areas identified as kidnapping hotspots in the state.
The Chairman of the Branch, Alhaji Aminu Hassan, gave the directive in a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday.
He said the affected areas include Bagudo, Suru, Kamba in Dandi, Bunza, Kangiwa in Arewa,Dirin Daji in Sakaba, Ribah, Kanya and Augie local government areas areas of the state.
According to him, the decision was sequel to an emergency meeting of the association held on Saturday to deliberate on the abduction of one of its members, Mr Isyaku Muhammad- Danjuma, on Oct. 1, along the Ibeto- Birnin Kebbi route in Magama Local Government Area of Niger State.
The association condemned the abduction and expressed deep concern over the rising wave of insecurity across the country.
He said the branch resolved that all members should boycott court proceedings from Oct. 7 to Oct. 10 in protest against the kidnapping of their colleague and to draw attention to the worsening security situation.
“ Upon the expiration of the boycott period, members are also urged to suspend handling of terrorism-related cases, including those involving kidnapping, abduction, armed robbery or unlawful possession of firearms, until further notice,” he said.
The chairman said the association would engage relevant authorities to ensure the safe release of the abducted lawyer.
He implored government and security agencies to take urgent steps to restore peace and public confidence.
He added that the branch would work with the judiciary to provide alternative venues for court cases to minimise travel to unsafe locations.
