Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Onitsha branch, Anambra State, Francis Onwuachi, has been killed by his abductors.
Onwuachi, President General of Omor, a community in Ayamelum Local Government Area, was kidnapped along Ezu River/Anaku road on March 12, while on his way to his town by gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen.
The lawyer, who was the Vice President of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association (UNAA), Onitsha branch, was found dead on March 19.
To protest the killing, lawyers have resolved to boycott all courts in the South-East state from Monday.
Also, the Committee of Chairmen and Secretaries of NBA branches in Anambra State has bemoaned what it described as the worsening security situation in the state.
In a statement by all the chairmen and secretaries of the various branches, the association said there is tension Anambra state.
The statement was signed by
1. Mr. Ekene Okonkwo
(Chairman NBA, Awka Branch)
2. Mr. Kaine Ananwune
(Chairman NBA, Anaocha Branch)
3. Mr A.U Okafor
(Chairman NBA, Otuocha Branch)
4. Mr Kingsley Awuka
(Chairman NBA, Nnewi Branch)
5. Mr B.E Ewulum PhD
(Chairman NBA, Idemili Branch)
6. Mr Vitalis Ihedigbo
(Chairman NBA, Ihiala Branch)
7. Mr Abel Ofoma
(Chairman NBA, Aguata Branch)
8. Mr. Onyechi Ononye
(Chairman NBA, Onitsha Branch and Chairman, NBA Branches in Anambra State)
It reads: “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.
Yesterday, 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 consequently resolves as follows;
1. That all lawyers in Anambra State shall boycott all courts from Monday, 22/3/2021 to Wednesday, 24/3/2021.
2. That all lawyers in Anambra State should converge at the Judiciary Headquarters, Awka on Monday, 22/3/2021 by noon for onward movement to the Government House, Awka to express our dissatisfaction with the current security situation in Anambra State.
3. Chairmen of Bar Branches in Anambra State are requested to sensitise their members and various Court heads to ensure compliance with the above directives”.
