Jos: Clerics condemn killings, urge FG to establish state police + Video

Prominent Christian leaders have raised the alarm over worsening insecurity across Nigeria, calling for the immediate establishment of state police to address what they described as escalating violence and organised attacks.

This came as gunmen killed at least 30 people during a Palm Sunday attack in Ungwan Rukuba, a community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau state, Nigeria.

The incident occurred in the evening when armed men reportedly entered the community and opened fire on residents.

Eyewitnesses described the attack as coordinated, with multiple casualties recorded and several homes affected.

Following the incident, the Plateau state government imposed a 48-hour curfew in parts of northern Jos to contain the situation.

Reacting, the Christian leaders described the attacks as genocidal rather than mere terrorism.

According to them, these attacks are specifically aimed at wiping out certain ethnic or religious groups, which differs from the broader, more indiscriminate nature of terrorism.

They gave the reaction on Monday at an Easter media parley organised by the Cross Campaign in Ikeja, Lagos, where religious leaders assessed the state of the nation and called for urgent reforms.

The event was convened by Rev. Yomi Kasali, Founder and Senior Pastor of the Foundation of Truth Assembly, and Apostle Lawrence Achudume, Founder and General Overseer of Victory Life Bible Church (VLBC).

In his reaction, Prophet Isa El-Buba, Founder of Evangelical Bible Outreach Ministries, said the situation had deteriorated significantly, describing the country as being at a critical point.

El-Buba said: “Nigeria today is at a dangerous crossroad.

“Our nation is really really bleeding. 

“Just in the last less than 24 hours, there was a terrorist threat that came few weeks ago and they said that after the Sallah the Christians on the plateau should prepare for a massive genocide.

“They said it and they were able to carry out what they said. 

“Yesterday we lost over 20 people that were killed on the Plateau.”

El-Buba rejected the narrative of communal clashes, insisting the violence was organised.

He said: “Now this is not a herders and farmers clash.

“This is a deliberate act of terrorism and the places where these people advance their cause is known.

“They have sworn that they will have to continue with their plan, which was established by Usman Dan Fodio. 

“They are on with it.”

El-Buba also alleged gaps in response by security agencies and called for decisive action.

He said: “So what we are asking the government to do is we must face this crisis and face it head-on. 

“Our military men should be empowered.

“This is the digital age. 

“The Federal Government cannot be sponsoring and paying lobbyists to change the narrative.”