Palm Sunday killings: Christian leaders to hold emergency meeting in Jos

The Northern Christian Religious Leaders Assembly (NOCRELA) has announced plans to convene an emergency meeting of top Christian leaders across Northern Nigeria, following the recent wave of killings and attacks on Christian communities in the region.

The meeting, scheduled to hold in Jos next week, will focus on the worsening security situation, the protection of vulnerable communities, and strategies to address the recurring violence.

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This was disclosed in a statement signed by NOCRELA Chairman, Archbishop JohnPraise Daniel, on Tuesday in Abuja, in the aftermath of the deadly attack on residents of Angwan Rukuba in the Gari Ya Waye area of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The group strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a desecration of the sacred observance of Palm Sunday and an affront to humanity.

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Archbishop Daniel expressed deep sorrow and outrage over what he termed the “tragic and senseless killing” of innocent people, noting that the violence had cast a dark shadow over a day symbolising peace, humility and love.

“Palm Sunday is a day that symbolises peace, humility and the triumph of love over hatred. It is therefore deeply painful and unacceptable that such a holy day was desecrated by acts of violence that led to the loss of precious human lives,” the statement read.

According to NOCRELA, the killings go beyond attacks on individuals and families, amounting to “an assault on our shared humanity, our faith, and the collective peace of our nation.”

The organisation described the attack as barbaric and called on security agencies to act swiftly to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“We strongly condemn this barbaric act and call on security agencies to immediately investigate the incident, bring the perpetrators to justice, and ensure that such evil does not continue to stain our land. The lives of Nigerians must be protected, and no community should live under the shadow of fear,” the statement added.

NOCRELA also expressed solidarity with bereaved families and residents of Plateau State, assuring them of prayers and support in the wake of the tragedy.

“We stand in solidarity with the grieving families, the Christian community, all residents of Jos, and the peace-loving people of Plateau State during this painful moment. Our prayers are with the bereaved families, and we ask God to grant them comfort and strengthen their faith at this difficult time,” it said.

The Christian body further urged religious and community leaders, as well as all Nigerians, to reject violence and promote unity.

“We call on religious leaders, community leaders and all Nigerians to reject violence, resist the forces that seek to divide us, and continue to uphold the values of peace, tolerance and unity that our faith teaches. Nigeria must not become a land where innocent blood is shed without consequence. The sanctity of human life must remain sacred, and justice must prevail,” the statement stressed.

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