Gunmen have abducted a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Okey Wali, SAN, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.

It was gathered that the former NBA President was kidnapped after his convoy was attacked by gunmen along the East-West Road in Obio/Akpor LGA on Monday, April 17.

The incident was confirmed via a statement issued on Tuesday by the NBA President, Yakubu Maikyau.

Maikyau, who appealed to the abductors to release Wali, the 26th president of the NBA, to his family, said the lawyer served Nigeria in varying capacities, contributing immensely to the growth of legal practice in the country.

READ ALSO: Gunmen kidnap couple returning from church in Osun

“He is a known philanthropist who has helped in the development of his community in no small measure.

“I hereby plead with the abductors not to harm Wali and make a passionate appeal for his release to his family.

“The NBA stands with and assures his family of our full support in this trying period, even as we join in praying for his safe return home.

“This ugly incident is yet another sad reminder of the weakness in our security system and the failure of successive governments to live up to the constitutional duty of providing for the welfare and security of all Nigerians,” he said.

The NBA President, however, called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Rivers State Commissioner of Police “to leave no stone unturned as they work towards the safe release of our dear learned friend.”

The Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, who confirmed the incident, said efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the ex-NBA President.

The Star