The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on Christians in the northern part of the country to take proactive steps to defend themselves against persistent attacks.
The call followed the Palm Sunday attack on Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, which left more than 20 people dead and several others injured.
The attack occurred around 8 pm, heightening fears among residents and raising fresh concerns over security ahead of the Easter celebrations.
Following the incident, the Defence Headquarters placed troops across the country on alert to prevent further attacks during the Easter period.
Speaking during the end-of-the-month briefing in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, assured Nigerians that security forces had heightened surveillance and vigilance.
He said the military had intensified efforts to ensure citizens celebrate the Easter festivities without fear.
However, speaking to Saturday PUNCH, the Chairman of CAN in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, Joseph Hayab, said Christians would not allow the wave of killings to intimidate them.
According to him, the Christian community must begin to organise itself against the attackers.
“These killers are not spirits. These killers are human beings; they may have got some upper hand, but when our people really organise themselves, a time will come when you see that the person who is chasing you, you are chasing him back,” Hayab said.
He added that continued silence and fear would only embolden the attackers.
“Unless and until all of us start organising ourselves to chase those who have been chasing us, they will torment us for the next 200 years,” he said.
Hayab also lamented that attacks frequently occur during major Christian celebrations such as Easter and Christmas.
“Since 2009 till today, they have been tormenting us every time it is Easter and Christmas; they will deny us the joy of celebrating,” he said.
When asked whether the Christian body would advise its members to carry arms, Hayab declined to disclose the group’s strategy.
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