The Forum of Northern Christians, also known as the Northern Christian Association, has decried the spate of violent attacks across Northern Nigeria, warning that the situation has once again cast a pall over Easter celebrations.
The group particularly condemned the recent attacks in Jos, Plateau State, and parts of Kaduna State on Palm Sunday, which reportedly claimed several lives and left many others injured.
In a statement issued on Friday to mark the Easter celebration, the Chairman of the Forum, Rev. Joseph Hayab, and the Secretary-General, Bishop Mohammed Naga, lamented that the season, which ought to be marked by joy and spiritual reflection, is being observed under an atmosphere of grief and fear.
They said, “Instead of joy and spiritual reflection, many communities across Northern Nigeria are marking this Easter in grief, uncertainty, and under the shadow of recurring violence.”
The Christian leaders noted that the attacks in Jos North Local Government Area and surrounding communities resulted in the loss of innocent lives and displacement of residents at a time preparations for Easter were underway.
According to them, the situation is not isolated, as several states across the region, including Benue, Borno, Niger, and Taraba, continue to grapple with killings, abductions, and widespread insecurity.
“The painful reality is that these incidents are not limited to one state. Across Benue, Borno, Niger, and Taraba, communities are facing persistent violence, displacement, and fear,” the statement read.
The Forum expressed concern over what it described as a recurring pattern of attacks during Christian holy seasons, raising questions about the effectiveness of existing security arrangements.
It said, “The recurrence of these attacks during sacred periods raises serious concerns about the adequacy of security measures and the ability of authorities to protect citizens at such critical times.”
The group warned that the continued cycle of violence could normalise insecurity and further erode public confidence in the government’s capacity to safeguard lives and property.
It, therefore, called on the Federal Government and security agencies to move beyond routine condemnations and demonstrate a genuine commitment to ending the violence.
“We call on the Federal Government and all security agencies to go beyond mere condemnation and take decisive, sustained action to break this cycle of violence and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice,” the leaders said.
The Forum also urged religious, traditional, and community leaders to intensify efforts toward promoting peace, unity, and tolerance across the region.
“Leaders at all levels must rise to the occasion by fostering unity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among our people,” it added.
Despite the prevailing challenges, the Christian leaders said the message of Easter remains one of hope, renewal, and resilience.
They encouraged Christians not to lose faith in the face of adversity, noting that the season symbolises victory over trials.
“Even in the midst of these challenges, Easter reminds us of hope, renewal, and the triumph of light over darkness. We urge the faithful to remain steadfast and not give in to fear,” the statement added.
The Forum reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for a peaceful Northern Nigeria where citizens of all faiths can live, worship, and celebrate without fear, intimidation, or violence.
It also called for renewed commitment from all stakeholders toward achieving lasting peace, justice, and security in the region.
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