Northern Christian leaders have condemned the killing of innocent citizens in Angwan Rukuba, Gari Ya Waye area of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State on Palm Sunday, blaming security lapses and demanding swift justice for the victims.
Their reaction, which goes beyond mourning, reflects growing concern over repeated violence in Plateau and what the leaders describe as a troubling pattern of attacks on Christian communities in Northern Nigeria, piling pressure on security agencies to show they can stop the bloodshed.
The position was contained in a statement by Archbishop JohnPraise Daniel, Chairman of the Northern Christian Religious Leaders Assembly (NOCRELA), on behalf of the group’s leadership and members.
“The entire leadership and members of the Northern Christian Religious Leaders Assembly (NOCRELA) express deep sorrow, outrage, and heartfelt condemnation over the tragic and senseless killing of innocent citizens, on the sacred day of Palm Sunday.
“Palm Sunday is a day that symbolises peace, humility, and the triumph of love over hatred. It is therefore deeply painful and unacceptable that such a holy day was desecrated by acts of violence that led to the loss of precious human lives,” Archbishop Daniel added.
The group urged security agencies to act without delay, warning that failure to do so could deepen insecurity.
“NOCRELA strongly condemns this barbaric act and calls on security agencies to immediately investigate the incident, bring the perpetrators to justice, and ensure that such evil does not continue to stain our land. The lives of Nigerians must be protected, and no community should live under the shadow of fear.
“We stand in solidarity with the grieving families, the Christian community, all residents of Jos, and the peace-loving people of Plateau State during this painful moment. Our prayers are with the bereaved families, and we ask God to grant them comfort and strengthen their faith at this difficult time.
“We call on religious leaders, community leaders, and all Nigerians to reject violence, resist the forces that seek to divide us, and continue to uphold the values of peace, tolerance, and unity that our faith teaches,” the clerics said.
They warned against normalising killings or allowing impunity to take root.
“Nigeria must not become a land where innocent blood is shed without consequence. The sanctity of human life must remain sacred, and justice must prevail.
“In view of the gravity of this tragedy and the increasing attacks on Christian communities in Northern Nigeria, NOCRELA hereby calls for an emergency meeting to deliberate on the current security situation, the protection of Christian communities, and collectively chart a decisive way forward,” Archbishop Daniel added.
