By Nworisa Michael
The Christian Association of Nigeria in Northern Nigeria has called on Christians to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to protect themselves in the face of ongoing security threats, particularly during the Easter period.
The call follows the recent attack on Angwan Rukuba in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, which left over 20 people dead and several others injured.
Chairman of CAN in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, Joseph Hayab, stated that despite recurring violence, the Christian community must not succumb to fear or intimidation. He emphasized the need for unity and preparedness among believers, noting that continued attacks during major religious celebrations are deeply concerning.
Hayab expressed frustration over the persistent insecurity since 2009, particularly during Easter and Christmas periods, urging church leaders to encourage their members to remain steadfast and not abandon their faith or gatherings. He maintained that the attacks are aimed at instilling fear and disrupting religious activities.
While he refrained from outlining specific strategies, Hayab stressed that Christians must be resolute and not allow attackers to dictate how they observe their faith. He also criticised the perceived inability of government and security agencies to effectively curb the violence.
Meanwhile, security authorities have assured Nigerians of heightened safety measures. The Defence Headquarters confirmed that troops have been placed on alert nationwide ahead of Easter celebrations, with increased vigilance to prevent further attacks.
Security experts, however, remain divided on the issue of self-defence. A retired military officer, Brigadier General John Sura, advocated lawful self-defence and stronger community-based security structures, urging residents to take minimal protective measures within the law.
In contrast, another retired officer, Lieutenant Colonel Abdulwahab Ademola, cautioned against arming civilians, warning that it could worsen insecurity. He instead recommended the adoption of early warning systems and community-based intelligence to detect and prevent attacks.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria also raised concerns over the resurgence of violence, calling for a thorough review of Nigeria’s security strategy. Its National Secretary, David Bakare, described the situation as troubling and urged authorities to go beyond reactive measures by addressing the root causes of insecurity.
As part of ongoing efforts to restore calm, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has ordered increased deployment of security personnel to Jos and directed senior officers to assess and strengthen operations in the area.
The development has heightened concerns over safety during the Easter season, with calls for both improved security measures and stronger community resilience across affected regions.
