The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has strongly denounced the killing of residents during a Palm Sunday attack in Jos, describing the incident as unacceptable and a reflection of the deteriorating security situation in the country.
In a statement released on Monday and signed by its President, Daniel Okoh, the association condemned the violence that occurred on March 29, 2026, in Angwan Rukuba, Gari Ya Waye area of Jos North Local Government Area in Plateau State.
Okoh expressed deep concern over the attack, noting the pain and devastation inflicted on the Christian community.
He said, “Palm Sunday is meant to be a day of peace, hope, and reflection. Instead, it became a day of bloodshed. Innocent Nigerians—men, women, and children—were hunted and killed in cold blood. Let us be clear: this is not just tragic; it is unacceptable.”
According to CAN, reports indicate that the attackers, described as armed men, invaded the community in large numbers and disguised themselves in uniforms resembling those of security operatives before launching an assault on unsuspecting residents.
“Lives were cut short in minutes. Families have been shattered. A community has been traumatised,” the statement read.
The association said the incident raises serious concerns about the safety of citizens and the ability of security agencies to prevent such attacks, particularly during important religious events.
“We mourn. We grieve. But we must also speak the truth. How did we get here? How is it that people can no longer feel safe in their own homes? How is it that, even on a sacred day, communities are left exposed to such terror?” Okoh queried.
CAN further noted that Nigerians are increasingly frustrated with recurring incidents of violence and routine official responses, stressing the need for concrete action against those responsible.
“Those responsible for this atrocity must be found, arrested, and made to face justice—swiftly and decisively. Anything less will only deepen the sense that life in our country is no longer protected,” the CAN president stated.
He also described the reported use of fake military uniforms by the attackers as alarming, warning that such tactics could erode public confidence in security institutions if not properly addressed.
“It strikes at the very heart of public trust and must be thoroughly investigated. Our security institutions must not only respond; they must stay ahead of these threats,” he added.
While acknowledging the efforts of the Plateau State Government, the association insisted that more effective and lasting security measures must be put in place to safeguard lives and property.
“The people of Plateau, and indeed all Nigerians, deserve lasting security, not periodic reassurance,” the statement noted.
CAN also called on Christians to remain cautious during the Holy Week, urging them to combine prayer with vigilance and cooperation with security agencies.
“Be prayerful, but also be vigilant. Stay alert. Work with security agencies and local authorities. Look out for one another,” Okoh urged.
He concluded by calling for national reflection and immediate steps to end the recurring cycle of violence across the country.
“A nation cannot keep bleeding like this and expect to move forward. We owe the dead justice. We owe the living protection. And we owe our future a country where no community wakes up to gunfire on a sacred day,” he said.
