The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed grave concern over the tragic incident that occurred on Monday, November 11th, 2024 in Utu Etim Ekpo, Akwa Ibom State. A flour-loaded truck, while being pursued by soldiers, lost control and crashed into shops, resulting in the death of three individuals, including a lawyer, and leaving several others severely injured.
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In a statement issued by NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the association highlighted that this preventable tragedy underscores the dangers associated with indiscriminate roadblocks, the use of logs of wood to distort traffic flow, the uncaring attitude of law enforcement agents at checkpoints, high-speed chases through civilian areas, and extortion at checkpoints.
“Some of these roadblocks are set up at bad points of roads, some are set up in such a manner that makes the free flow of traffic in both directions impossible,” the statement read. “Experience has shown that these roadblocks are more intended for extorting drivers and other road users rather than for security and law enforcement.”
The NBA emphasized that roadblocks or purported checkpoints, particularly those established in unsafe or poorly visible locations, pose serious risks to road users and residents. Articulated vehicles often fall at these checkpoints while navigating the logs of wood or other materials used to slow down vehicle movement, and it is becoming increasingly common for vehicles to run into these obstacles during the hours of darkness.
The association further noted that when roadblocks are seen or used as sites of extortion, they erode public trust and respect for the very institutions meant to ensure security and public safety. “It is therefore in our collective interest to ensure that these misuse of roadblocks and checkpoints as well as the use of the roadblocks for extortion and inhumane treatment of road travelers be reviewed,” the statement asserted.
While clarifying that the NBA has nothing against checkpoints on the roads, the association insisted that the current modes only serve to punish road users, impede traffic, and make it easier for road travelers to be extorted by the different security agencies that man them. The NBA called on law enforcement agencies to review the type of roadblocks being set up by their officers and take steps to ensure that the hardship and extortion that go on there are stopped forthwith.
The association unequivocally condemned any actions by security forces that compromise public safety, cause hardship to road travelers, lead to extortion of drivers, and result in loss of lives. It called upon the Nigerian Army and relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and hold accountable individuals whose actions may have contributed to this tragic loss of life and injury.
The NBA emphasized the urgent need for a nationwide review of checkpoint practices, with clear protocols to ensure that enforcement of road regulations is conducted responsibly and with the highest regard for civilian safety. It further called on security agencies to train and retrain their personnel on proper engagement and pursuit protocols to avoid endangering lives and property, stressing that reckless pursuits in populated areas and high-speed chases should be strictly prohibited.
The association expressed its solidarity with the families of the deceased lawyer, other victims, and the Utu Etim Ekpo community during this difficult time. It committed to working with local leaders, authorities, and all relevant stakeholders to seek justice and ensure the implementation of corrective measures to prevent future occurrences. The NBA branches in Akwa Ibom State will work closely with the association to ensure that justice is served.
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