The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has called for the release of its immediate past president, Okey Wali, who was kidnapped from his residence in Port Harcourt, Saturday night.

In a statement signed by the incumbent president of the association, Augustine Alegeh, the lawyers’ body said it received the news about Wali’s abduction with shock, and called on the government to take appropriate steps in ensuring the security of Nigerians.

“Wali is a man of peace who has not only contributed immensely to the enthronement of rule of law and protection of human rights, but also to the development of the nation. It is therefore saddening that he should become a kidnap victim. This sad event is yet another reminder of the state of insecurity in which all Nigerians live,” the statement said.

The NBA also sent a passionate appeal to Wali’s abductors for his immediate and safe release to his family.

The Rivers State indigene served as President of the association from 2012 till July 2014.