Gladness Gideon
The Northern chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has strongly condemned the recent spate of killings in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, which claimed the lives of no fewer than 52 residents.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Northern CAN Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab, decried the incident as a “barbaric” and “tragic” act of violence that has once again plunged communities in Northern Nigeria into mourning.
Hayab extended heartfelt condolences to the people of Plateau State and Governor Caleb Mutfwang, expressing sorrow over the mounting toll of innocent lives lost to recurring violence in the region.
“This endless cycle of bloodshed is an affront to our shared humanity,” the statement read. “We totally condemn this strange and evil culture of taking human lives. Hiding under religion, ethnicity, or any guise to unleash terror on communities is unacceptable.”
The Christian leader expressed deep concern over the erosion of societal values, especially the growing disregard for human life. He emphasized that such acts of violence must not be allowed to fester and warned that a nation that normalizes mass killings risks losing its moral compass.
“Our prayers are with the grieving families and the communities shattered by this latest carnage,” Hayab added. “The bloodletting must stop.”
He called on security agencies to redouble their efforts in tracking down those responsible and ensuring that justice is not only served but seen to be served.
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“The pattern of mass killings and mass burials repeated across different communities year after year must be decisively broken through strong, proactive action,” the statement stressed.
In a broader appeal, the Christian body urged religious, traditional, and community leaders to become agents of peace by promoting tolerance and unity among their people. CAN warned against the normalization of violence and stressed the need for collective national resolve to halt the carnage.
“These wanton killings must not become the new normal,” the statement continued. “Nigeria must not degenerate into a country where human lives are wasted without consequences. We must all rise and say, ‘Enough is enough.’”
Northern CAN commended the Plateau State Government for its prompt intervention and the reported arrest of some suspects, urging the authorities to remain resolute in upholding peace, security, and justice.
The association also called on citizens to remain calm and law-abiding while cooperating with security agencies by reporting any suspicious activities in their communities.
“May the souls of the departed rest in peace. We pray that God comforts the bereaved families and grants healing to the wounded and affected communities,” Hayab concluded.