The Northern Christian Association (NCA) has strongly condemned the latest wave of attacks in Plateau State, which claimed at least nine lives, including a pastor. The association issued a stark warning that Nigerians must resist the normalization of violence, emphasizing that the deaths of innocent citizens should never become an ordinary occurrence.
In a statement released to journalists in Kaduna on Tuesday, the NCA Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab, articulated the association’s deep concern over the persistent violence plaguing Plateau State. Hayab stressed that each life lost represents a profound human tragedy, demanding immediate and unwavering attention from both the government and all Nigerians, regardless of their ethnic, religious, or political affiliations.
Details of the Recent Attacks
The recent spate of violence, according to Rev. Hayab, unfolded between Saturday night and Sunday morning across various communities in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and their environs. These tragic incidents included:
- Five individuals traveling towards Gana-Ropp in Barkin Ladi were ambushed and killed when their vehicle came under attack.
- A pastor and another person were murdered while on their way to church in Dorowa Babuje.
- Separate attacks were also reported in Baten Wereng and Ratyidi.
Rev. Hayab questioned the escalating disregard for human life, stating, “Is that how lives have become so cheap that they can now be taken at will? Nigerians must not get used to killings. Every life matters. We cannot continue to wake up to reports of innocent people being killed and gradually accept such incidents as part of our normal existence.” He further highlighted that the frequency of these attacks should not desensitize Nigerians, as every victim leaves behind grieving relatives, friends, and communities that continue to bear the painful consequences.
Call for Proactive Security and Community Collaboration
While acknowledging the efforts of the Federal and Plateau State governments, as well as security personnel, the NCA chairman urged authorities to move beyond reactive responses. He called for an urgent review of the security situation in vulnerable communities and a significant strengthening of measures aimed at identifying and neutralizing threats before they escalate into attacks.
Hayab argued that while increased deployment of security personnel offers temporary reassurance, a sustainable, long-term solution necessitates a robust security system capable of:
- Detecting threats early.
- Acting decisively on credible intelligence.
- Preventing attackers from reaching vulnerable communities.
The NCA also emphasized the critical role of community collaboration in the fight against insecurity. Rev. Hayab called for closer partnerships between security agencies and local residents, noting that communities are often the first to observe unusual movements, suspicious activities, and emerging threats. He asserted that such information, channeled through reliable reporting systems with prompt action from security agencies, could significantly aid in preventing future attacks.
Justice and Support for Victims
The association further pressed security agencies to conduct thorough investigations into the attacks, ensuring that those responsible are swiftly arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. The NCA extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the affected communities, and the Plateau State Government, simultaneously calling for comprehensive support for residents whose lives and livelihoods have been tragically disrupted by the ongoing violence.
Ultimately, Rev. Hayab concluded, the persistent attacks serve as a poignant reminder to authorities that the protection of citizens should not be solely measured by the response after an incident, but, more crucially, by the ability of security agencies to anticipate threats, prevent assaults, and safeguard vulnerable populations effectively.