The Bonny Lawyers’ Forum has condemned the violent attack on members of the Finima Community in the early hours of Saturday, August 22, 2026, reportedly linked to disagreements over cultural displays and performances during the Fongu celebration season.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Elder Victor Frederic Pepple, Esq., the Forum described the incident as “deplorable, unconscionable and gratuitously violent,” stressing that the brutality was unjustifiable and deserving of the strongest condemnation.
The Forum said, as lawyers, it recognised and advocated the fundamental rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of association, worship and lawful cultural practice, noting that such rights were essential to building a peaceful, tolerant and progressive society.
It expressed concern that the Finima incident, coming alongside similar occurrences in recent times, could undermine development efforts being undertaken by the Bonny Local Government Council, the traditional institution and other stakeholders across Bonny Kingdom.
According to the Forum, the development was particularly troubling at a time when Bonny was positioning itself as a destination for tourism, investment, cultural exchange and sustainable development.
It cited the recently held Discover Bonny Tourism Summit and the Bonny Heritage Night, organised by the Forum, as initiatives designed to showcase Bonny’s historical, cultural and hospitality heritage.
While commending the Executive Chairman of Bonny Local Government Council for what it described as proactive steps following the incident, including his reported visit to the scene and prohibition of cultural display activities in Finima, the Forum called for a broader intervention to address the root causes of the crisis.
The lawyers therefore urged the Council to constitute an Inquiry/Reconciliation Ad-Hoc Committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack and provide a framework for reconciliation and lasting peace.
The proposed committee, according to the Forum, should establish the facts surrounding the incident; receive statements and representations from victims, witnesses, community leaders and other stakeholders; and document injuries, property damage and other losses allegedly suffered.
It also wants the committee to determine the immediate and remote causes of the violence and identify persons alleged to have participated in, instigated or facilitated the attack, without prejudice to the constitutional responsibilities of the Police and other competent authorities.
The Forum further recommended that the committee propose measures to prevent a recurrence and, where necessary, refer relevant findings to the Police, Rivers State Government or other competent authorities for appropriate action under the law.
It also called for practical reconciliation, peace-building and community-engagement measures aimed at restoring confidence and promoting peaceful coexistence in the affected community.
The Forum said the proposed intervention was necessary not only to establish the truth and provide affected persons an opportunity to be heard, but also to prevent reprisal attacks and further escalation.
“Violence, intimidation and reprisal attacks have no place in a progressive and civilised society,” the Forum stated, urging parties to resolve disagreements arising from cultural practices, communal interests or other issues through dialogue, lawful processes and peaceful dispute-resolution mechanisms.
The Bonny Lawyers’ Forum also appreciated the security agencies, community leaders and other stakeholders who had taken steps to safeguard lives and property within Bonny Kingdom.
It stressed that peace and security remained indispensable to economic growth, tourism, investment and sustainable development, and urged all parties to exercise restraint, avoid inflammatory statements and cooperate with lawful efforts to restore peace and ensure justice.
The Forum reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace, justice, the rule of law, human dignity and sustainable development in Bonny Kingdom and beyond.
