The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Abuja Branch, have expressed serious concern over the return of “one chance” criminal attacks in Abuja, following the killing of a lawyer and a nurse.
The victims were identified as Chigbo Mediatrix, a lawyer and former treasurer of the NBA Abuja Branch, and Chinemerem Chuwumeziem, a nurse. Both women were reportedly attacked by criminals pretending to be commercial drivers. Their bodies were later found in different parts of the Federal Capital Territory.
The FCT Police Command confirmed the incidents and said investigations are ongoing. In a statement on Wednesday, the police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, said officers are carrying out discreet investigations to find those responsible and uncover the full details of the attacks.
Reacting to the killings, the NBA said the incidents have thrown Abuja into fear and mourning. In a statement issued on Thursday by its president, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the association warned that insecurity is once again becoming a serious problem in the nation’s capital.
The NBA said the victims were hardworking professionals who were simply trying to get home safely after their daily activities. According to the association, their deaths highlight how dangerous daily commuting in Abuja has become due to criminal gangs.
The association described the killings as a sign of a growing breakdown in security, noting that criminals posing as commercial transport operators are now operating freely on city roads.
Osigwe said the killing of Mediatrix was especially painful for the legal community, as she was known for her dedication and service to the NBA Abuja Branch.
The NBA strongly condemned the killings and called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies to treat the situation as a security emergency.
It urged the authorities to take immediate action, including better intelligence gathering, increased surveillance, stronger policing of transport routes, and targeted operations against “one chance” criminal gangs.
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