The Christian Association of Nigeria has strongly condemned the killing of residents during a Palm Sunday attack in Jos, Plateau State, describing the incident as shocking, unacceptable, and a sign of worsening insecurity in the country.
In a statement issued on Monday, the association, led by its President, Daniel Okoh, called for an immediate investigation into the attack and urged security agencies to bring those responsible to justice without delay.
The violence, which occurred on March 29, 2026, in Angwan Rukuba, Gari Ya Waye area of Jos North Local Government Area, left several residents dead and many others injured, according to reports.
Palm Sunday is one of the most important days in the Christian calendar. It marks the beginning of Holy Week and is traditionally a time of peace, prayer, and reflection for millions of Christians across Nigeria and the world.
However, for residents of the affected community in Jos, this year’s observance turned into a day of fear and tragedy.
According to CAN, armed men reportedly stormed the area in large numbers, disguising themselves in uniforms that resembled those worn by security personnel.
The attackers then opened fire on residents, many of whom were unarmed and unprepared for the assault.
“Palm Sunday is meant to be a day of peace, hope, and reflection. Instead, it became a day of bloodshed,” Okoh said.
“Innocent Nigerians—men, women, and children—were hunted and killed in cold blood. This is not just tragic; it is unacceptable.”
Residents of Angwan Rukuba and surrounding areas have been left traumatised by the attack.
Witnesses said the gunmen moved quickly through the community, shooting indiscriminately and causing panic among families.
“Lives were cut short in minutes. Families have been shattered. A community has been traumatised,” the statement read.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the persistent security challenges in Plateau State, a region that has experienced repeated cases of communal clashes and violent attacks over the years.
In its reaction, CAN raised serious concerns about the safety of citizens and the ability of security agencies to prevent such attacks.
The association questioned how gunmen could carry out such an operation, especially on a day of religious importance, without being stopped.
“We mourn. We grieve. But we must also speak the truth. How did we get here?” Okoh said.
“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?”
The group said Nigerians are becoming increasingly frustrated with repeated incidents of violence and what they see as a lack of decisive action.
CAN called on the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the killings are identified, arrested, and prosecuted.
The association stressed that justice must be swift and visible to restore public confidence.
“Those responsible for this atrocity must be found, arrested, and made to face justice—swiftly and decisively,” Okoh said.
“Anything less will only deepen the sense that life in our country is no longer protected.”
One of the most disturbing aspects of the attack, according to CAN, is the reported use of fake military uniforms by the gunmen.
The association warned that this tactic could weaken public trust in security agencies and make it harder for citizens to distinguish between genuine officers and criminals.
“It strikes at the very heart of public trust and must be thoroughly investigated,” Okoh said.
Plateau State has faced recurring violence over the years, often linked to disputes over land, ethnicity, and religion.
Jos, the state capital, has been a flashpoint for such conflicts, with several deadly incidents recorded in the past.
Despite efforts by successive governments to restore peace, many communities in the state continue to live under the threat of attacks.
CAN acknowledged the efforts of the Plateau State Government but insisted that more needs to be done to ensure lasting security.
“The people of Plateau, and indeed all Nigerians, deserve lasting security, not periodic reassurance,” the statement said.
As Christians continue to observe Holy Week, CAN urged worshippers across the country to remain alert and take precautionary measures.
The association advised churches to work closely with security agencies and local authorities to ensure safety during gatherings.
“Be prayerful, but also be vigilant. Stay alert. Work with security agencies and look out for one another,” Okoh said.
The warning comes amid fears that religious gatherings could become targets for attacks if adequate security measures are not in place.
The Jos attack has once again highlighted the broader issue of insecurity in Nigeria, which includes banditry, terrorism, and communal violence.
Many Nigerians have repeatedly called on the government to take stronger action to protect lives and property.
CAN used the opportunity to call for national reflection and urgent steps to end the cycle of violence.
“A nation cannot keep bleeding like this and expect to move forward,” Okoh said.
“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.”
As investigations are expected to begin, attention will be on how quickly and effectively security agencies respond to the incident.
For the families affected, the focus remains on mourning their loved ones and seeking justice.
For many Nigerians, the attack is a painful reminder of the work that still needs to be done to achieve peace and security across the country.
The coming days will likely see increased calls for accountability, as well as renewed demands for practical solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges.
For now, the message from CAN is clear: the killings must not be ignored, and those responsible must be brought to justice.