Church Leaders Protest Attacks, Demand Justice

Christian faithful in Plateau State staged a peaceful protest on Easter Monday in condemnation of recent killings in Bokkos, Riyom and Bassa local government areas of the state.

The protesters on Easter Monday called for an immediate end to the dastardly acts of brutality which they described as grievous violation of human rights and stain on the nation’s conscience.

LEADERSHIP reports that the peaceful walk began at Favwei Junction through PRTV Roundabout at Rayfield and terminated at the Plateau State Government House in Little Rayfield, where Governor Caleb Mutfwang and his deputy, Ngo Josephine Piyo received the protesters.

Also present to stage the peaceful protest were federal and state legislators, members of the executive council, and top government officials.

This marked the second peace walk organised by the Church under the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Denominational Leaders’ Forum.

However, the protesters who demanded an end to the killings marched in honour of the victims and demanded justice and immediate government intervention.

The protesters also presented a joint statement which was read by COCIN President and Chairman of the Denominational Leaders Forum, Rev. Amos Mohzo, and co-signed by CAN Chairman in the state, Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo as well as Revd. Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam.

The statement which was addressed to President Bola Tinubu decried the “unprovoked, horrific, and persistent attacks” on communities in Bokkos, Mangu, Bassa and Riyom, which have left over 100 people dead in recent weeks.

“These are not communal clashes but calculated, premeditated acts of terror,” the church leaders declared.

They alleged that the perpetrators were suspected armed Fulani herdsmen who target innocent Christians in coordinated attacks, mostly at night.

They also criticised federal security responses and called for decisive action while acknowledging President Tinubu’s earlier condemnation of the attacks.

The church leaders expressed disappointment over what they described as a misrepresentation of the Bassa killings in official statements.

“We reject the narrative of retaliatory clashes; these are acts of terror, and the truth must not be sacrificed on the altar of political convenience,” they said.

In their demands, the church leaders called on the federal government to urgently strengthen state security infrastructure, establish and equip community policing outposts and conduct thorough investigations into the attacks.

Other demands include provision of humanitarian relief to affected communities, rebuilding of destroyed infrastructure and resettling of displaced persons while addressing the root causes of violence.

They further called for the protection of religious and traditional leaders as well as security of critical transportation routes, fostering national solidarity against terrorism and seeking international cooperation in ending terrorism financing.

The protesters urged all Nigerians to stand in unity against impunity and systemic violence, warning that the ongoing crisis on the Plateau is part of a broader threat to national peace.

“The continued killings are not just a Plateau problem. It is a Nigerian problem,” the leaders stressed. “We walk today not just for the victims in Bokkos and Bassa, but for the soul of Nigeria.”

Governor Caleb Mutfwang in his response vowed to pursue justice for victims of violent attacks in the state, declaring that Plateau shall be restored and freed from the grip of insecurity and darkness that has plagued it for nearly two decades.

He commended the efforts of the Christian leaders and CAN for standing up and refusing to remain silent in the face of ongoing bloodshed.

Governor Mutfwang emphasised that the time has come for every Nigerian with a conscience to rise and say “enough is enough.”

He affirmed that the government has kept records of every attack and killing, vowing that unlike in the past, those arrested in connection with the recent violence will not go scot-free.

The governor revealed the ongoing consultations with President Tinubu and heads of security agencies to develop new strategies for protecting communities.

He urged citizens not to allow pain and bitterness to erode their values, stressing that Plateau people are inherently peaceful but will also rise to defend the defenseless when necessary.

He urged the people to continue praying and cooperate with the government and security agencies, declaring, “Plateau shall be free, Plateau shall prosper.”