The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed deep concern over the tragic death of one of its Port Harcourt branch members, Bright Nda Owhor, who was allegedly killed on Saturday night.

NBA president, Mazi Afam Osigwe, in a statement released on Sunday, mourned the abrupt end of Mr Owhor’s life, noting that the victim was murdered in “a most senseless and brutal manner.”

“The NBA unequivocally condemns this heinous act. No society that claims to be governed by law and order can tolerate the unchecked violence and impunity that such killings represent. The right to life is the most fundamental of all rights, and its violation in such cruel fashion is unacceptable under any circumstances,” Mr Osigwe said.

The association called on the inspector-general of police, the Rivers State commissioner of police, and other relevant security agencies to conduct a prompt and thorough investigation into the events that led to the killing.

He said, “We call on the Inspector-General of Police, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, and all relevant security agencies to commence an immediate, thorough, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this killing. We demand that the perpetrators be identified, apprehended, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done, and swiftly too.”

“We also urge the relevant authorities to take concrete steps to address the rising tide of insecurity affecting both citizens and legal professionals across the country. Our members cannot continue to serve society under the constant threat of violence and death,” he added.

Expressing condolences to the family of the deceased, the NBA Port Harcourt branch, and the broader community of lawyers, Mr Osigwe tasked the federal government, security agencies, and other concerned authorities on the need to concretely address Nigeria’s spate of insecurity, which poses grave threats to the legal profession.