CAN Urges Northern Christians to Organise for Self-Defence Amid Rising Attacks

The Christian Association of Nigeria has called on Christians in Northern Nigeria to adopt proactive measures to safeguard themselves against recurring attacks, following the recent violence in Plateau State that left scores dead.

The call comes in the wake of the Palm Sunday assault on Angwan Rukuba in Jos North Local Government Area, where gunmen killed more than 20 people and injured several others. The attack is part of a troubling pattern of violence that has increasingly targeted communities during major religious periods such as Easter and Christmas.

Reacting to the development, the Northern Chairman of CAN, Joseph Hayab, said the time had come for communities to organise and resist continued assaults, stressing that the attackers were not invincible. He described the situation as a long-standing security challenge that has persisted for over a decade, particularly since the escalation of insurgency in 2009.

Hayab noted that while Christians would not be deterred from observing religious activities, there was a growing need for vigilance and collective responsibility in protecting lives and property. He warned that continued fear and inaction could embolden attackers and prolong the cycle of violence.

His remarks come as the Defence Headquarters announced heightened security measures nationwide ahead of Easter celebrations. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, assured Nigerians that troops had been placed on alert to prevent further attacks during the festive period.

Plateau State has remained a flashpoint for ethno-religious conflict over the years, with repeated outbreaks of violence in communities such as Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Riyom. Analysts say the persistence of such attacks underscores deeper issues, including weak security coordination, land disputes and communal tensions.

Despite the challenges, CAN leaders insist that religious observances will continue uninterrupted, urging members to remain steadfast while supporting broader efforts to restore peace.

Security experts, however, caution that while community vigilance is important, lasting peace will depend on sustained government intervention, intelligence-driven operations and inclusive conflict resolution strategies.

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