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Christian leaders react to Palm Sunday massacre in Nigeria
Christian leaders in Nigeria have spoken against the recent killing of over 24 faithful in Plateau state by suspected Islamic terror groups.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) while reacting to the massacre, said the incident which occured on Palm Sunday, Jos North, Plateau State, was unacceptable.CAN also demanded swift justice for victims.
The organization said the attacks which happened in Angwan Rukuba, Gari Ya Waye area, have once again exposed a painful truth that many Nigerians no longer feel safe, even in their homes or on sacred days. It warned that continued inaction could further erode public trust in the country’s ability to protect its citizens.
President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the association mourned the victims, raising alarm over reports that the attackers wore uniforms resembling those of security forces before opening fire on defenceless civilians.
The statement reads: “Palm Sunday is meant to be a day of peace, of hope, of 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.
“Armed men, reportedly in significant numbers, moved into a civilian community, disguised in uniforms resembling those of our security forces, and opened fire on defenceless people. Lives were cut short in minutes. Families have been shattered. A community has been traumatised.
“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?
“Nigerians are tired of mourning. Nigerians are tired of statements. Nigerians want to see action. 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 use of fake or imitation military uniforms by these attackers is particularly alarming. 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.
“We acknowledge the efforts of the Plateau State Government so far. But let it be said clearly: temporary measures are not enough. The people of Plateau, and indeed all Nigerians, deserve lasting security, not periodic reassurance.
“To our Christian faithful across the nation, I speak to you as we walk through this solemn Holy Week. Be prayerful, but also be vigilant. As you prepare for Good Friday solemnities and the Stations of the Cross (in some denominations), and as churches gather for Easter Eve vigils and night services, take deliberate steps to protect yourselves and your congregations. Stay alert. Work with security agencies and local authorities. Look out for one another.
“Faith must remain strong, but it must also be paired with wisdom. We will not allow fear to silence our worship. But neither will we ignore the dangers around us. Holy Week reminds us that light will always overcome darkness. Yet let us be honest, Nigeria is passing through a dark and painful moment. This must be a turning point.
“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.”
Several candidates recently shortlisted for recruitment into the Nigerian Army from Imo State have sustained varying degrees of injuries after the vehicle conveying them to the Nigerian Army Depot in Zaria, Kaduna State, was involved in a road accident on Saturday.
The candidates were said to be travelling to the training institution to commence their basic military training when the accident occurred.
Military sources familiar with the incident disclosed that the journey was being coordinated under the supervision of Lieutenant Colonel P.D. Ngal.
A military source said the victims had successfully passed the recruitment process and were heading to the Depot Nigerian Army in Zaria to begin their recruit training before the accident disrupted the journey.
“The candidates from Imo State were on their way to the Depot Nigerian Army in Zaria to begin their recruit training when the accident happened this morning,” the source said.
Videos seen by our correspondent showed several injured candidates lying by the roadside and inside damaged vehicles as emergency responders and other travellers made frantic efforts to evacuate them.
Many of the injured candidates were subsequently rushed to nearby hospitals for medical attention.
As of the time of filing this report, the exact cause of the accident and the number of casualties had yet to be officially confirmed.
Benue State Police Command has condemned the killing of the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Benue State chapter, Ardo Rabo Mohammed, and another man, Yakubu Isa, describing the attack as a senseless criminal act capable of undermining ongoing peace and security efforts in the state.
The victims were reportedly attacked by gunmen while returning from a security meeting along the Okwudu-Ogoli Road in Otukpo Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus C.N. Nwadiogbu, condemned the killings and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased.
“The Commissioner of Police strongly condemns in its entirety the brutal killing of the Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Benue State chapter, Ardo Rabo Mohammed, and one Yakubu Isa, who were reportedly attacked by unknown assailants while returning from a security meeting along Okwudu-Ogoli Road, Otukpo,” the statement read.
According to the police, the command has commenced a full-scale investigation into the incident, with tactical and intelligence teams deployed to track down those responsible.
The Commissioner assured residents that the command would leave no stone unturned in ensuring the perpetrators are identified, arrested and prosecuted.
He appealed to members of the public to remain calm, avoid taking the law into their own hands, and refrain from spreading unverified information capable of escalating tensions.
The police also urged anyone with credible information that could aid the investigation to report to the nearest police station or contact the command through its emergency lines.
Three bandits have been arrested in Benue state after a lady who they had kidnapped and released, identified them at a motor park and raised alarm.
The k!kidnappers came to Ihotu park to board a vehicle to Makurdi and were met by the lady they had earlier kidnapped and released after collecting ransom from her relatives.
They were even using a bag they collected from the girl. The girl raised the alarm, held one inside the vehicle, and two took to their heels, but were caught.
They had a ghana-must-go bag at the back of the vehicle. N11m was found inside the bag.
Following the confirmation of their identity by another lady who was also their victim, mob gathered around with the intent to beat them up and possibly set them ablaze.
But the park manager decided to invite the police and soldiers who rescued them and took them to their station.
It was later gathered that the Benue state Governor, Rev. Father Hyacinth Alia called and said he was interested in the case which made the police to take the apprehended bandits to Makurdi, the state capital.
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