By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Christian Association of Nigeria has strongly condemned the killing of innocent residents during a Palm Sunday attack in Jos, describing the incident as unacceptable and a stark reflection of the country’s worsening security situation.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association decried the violence that occurred on March 29, 2026, in Angwan Rukuba, Gari Ya Waye area of Jos North, Plateau State.
He lamented the horror inflicted on the Christian community, stating, “Palm Sunday is meant to be a day of peace, hope, and reflection. Instead, it became a day of bloodshed. Innocent Nigerians—men, women, and children—were hunted and killed in cold blood. Let us be clear: this is not just tragic; it is unacceptable.”
According to the Christian body, armed men reportedly stormed the community in large numbers, disguising themselves in uniforms resembling those of security personnel before opening fire on defenceless residents.
“Lives were cut short in minutes. Families have been shattered. A community has been traumatised,” the statement read.
CAN said the incident raises troubling questions about citizens’ safety and the capacity of authorities to prevent such attacks, especially during significant religious occasions.
“We mourn. We grieve. But we must also speak the truth. How did we get here? 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?” Okoh queried.
The association stressed that Nigerians are weary of repeated violence and official statements, calling instead for decisive action against perpetrators.
“Those responsible for this atrocity must be found, arrested, and made to face justice—swiftly and decisively. Anything less will only deepen the sense that life in our country is no longer protected,” the CAN president stated.
He further described the reported use of imitation military uniforms by the attackers as particularly disturbing, warning that it undermines public trust and must be thoroughly investigated.
“It strikes at the very heart of public trust and must be thoroughly investigated. Our security institutions must not only respond; they must stay ahead of these threats,” he added.
While acknowledging efforts by the Plateau State Government, CAN maintained that more sustainable security measures are needed to protect lives and property.
“The people of Plateau, and indeed all Nigerians, deserve lasting security, not periodic reassurance,” the statement noted.
The Christian body also urged worshippers to remain vigilant during the Holy Week, advising churches to take precautionary measures during gatherings.
“Be prayerful, but also be vigilant. Stay alert. Work with security agencies and local authorities. Look out for one another,” Okoh urged.
He called for national reflection and urgent action to halt the cycle of violence.
“A nation cannot keep bleeding like this and expect to move forward. 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,” he said.