Jos Killings: Christian Leaders, NGF, Kwankwaso Demand Justice Over Plateau Attack
Outrage trails the killing of over 28 residents in Jos, Plateau State, as Christian leaders, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, and key stakeholders demand justice and urgent security action.
Abuja/Jos
Fresh outrage has continued to trail the killing of residents in Angwan Rukuba, a community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, with religious leaders, political figures, and major stakeholders calling for swift justice and decisive security intervention.
The attack, which occurred on Palm Sunday, left no fewer than 27 to 28 people dead, while several others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment. The incident has further heightened concerns over worsening insecurity in Plateau State and across northern Nigeria.
Northern Christian groups, including the Northern Christian Religious Leaders Assembly (NOCRELA), the Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF), and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), condemned the killings in strong terms, describing the assault as senseless, barbaric, and unacceptable.
In separate statements, the groups blamed lapses in security for the tragedy and expressed deep sorrow over what they described as a desecration of a sacred day, noting that Palm Sunday symbolises peace, humility, and love.
Archbishop John Praise Daniel, Chairman of NOCRELA, said the killings represent a direct attack on innocent lives and peaceful coexistence, warning that failure to bring perpetrators to justice could embolden further violence.
Similarly, NOSCEF Chairman, Sunday Oibe, decried the “brutal killing of defenceless citizens,” urging security agencies to intensify efforts to track down those responsible and dismantle networks behind the attacks.
The PFN, through its National Secretary, David Bakare, described the incident as a tragedy and a stark reminder of the fragile peace in Plateau. He called for decisive action, stressing that the sanctity of human life must be upheld at all times.
Beyond religious bodies, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) also condemned the killings, calling for restraint and an immediate end to the cycle of violence.
In a statement by its Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the forum described the attack as unfortunate and detrimental to national unity and development. The NGF extended condolences to the victims’ families and commended Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his response to the crisis.
Adding his voice, former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, described the recurring violence in Plateau and other parts of the country as a national emergency, warning against treating such incidents as routine.
The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) also condemned the killings, describing them as a grave assault on humanity. The group cautioned against reprisals and ethnic profiling, warning that such actions could ignite further violence.
Its National Coordinator, Jamilu Charanchi, called on government at all levels to adopt proactive and sustainable security measures, noting that reactive approaches have failed to address the root causes of insecurity.
Former Plateau State Governor and Senator representing Plateau North, Jonah Jang, described the attackers as “agents of darkness,” calling for urgent reforms in the country’s security architecture, including renewed advocacy for state policing.
He warned that the boldness of the attack within the state capital highlights serious gaps in intelligence and security operations, urging authorities to move from reactive to preventive strategies.
Across the board, stakeholders emphasised the need for swift investigation, arrest, and prosecution of those responsible, while calling on residents to remain calm and avoid reprisals.
They stressed that restoring public confidence and ensuring justice for victims remain critical to breaking the cycle of violence and safeguarding communities in Plateau State and beyond.