Jos Killings: Catholic Secretariat Says Attack Sacrilegious

The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria has condemned the killing of 27 persons in three Plateau State communities on the evening of March 29, 2026, describing the attack as a “sacrilege against the sanctity of life” on one of Christianity’s holiest days.

In a statement issued from its head office in Abuja and signed by the Secretary General, Rev. Fr. Michael A. Banjo, and the National Director of Social Communications, Rev. Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh, the Secretariat said the villages of Angwan Rukuba, Gari Ya Waye, and Atakyu were turned into slaughterhouses while faithful held palms in honour of the Prince of Peace.

The Secretariat called on the federal government and security agencies to immediately identify, arrest, and prosecute perpetrators and sponsors of the dastardly act.

The Secretariat also urged the government to conduct a thorough inquiry into official negligence or complicity; effect urgent strengthening of intelligence and proactive security deployment; and provide immediate humanitarian relief, medical assistance, and support for affected families.

“While some faithful in Plateau State at daytime held palms in honour of the Prince of Peace, the forces of darkness turned the peaceful villages of Angwan Rukuba, Gari Ya Waye, and Atakyu into slaughterhouses.

“With profound sorrow, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria condemns the cold-blooded massacre of 27 persons on the evening of March 29, 2026. This was not just a security breach, but a sacrilege against the sanctity of life on one of the holiest days of the Christian calendar,” the statement reads.

The Secretariat did not mince words in its criticism of the state, quoting Section 14(2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution, which places the protection of citizens’ lives as the primary duty of government.

“How much longer must we refer Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution to a government that seems unperturbed by the cries of its people?

“The primary duty of the State is the protection of life, yet the recurring carnage in Jos, too soon after the Maiduguri incident, suggests an abdication of this duty.

“The heartbreaking image of a mother cradling her wounded son in the aftermath of this atrocity captures the anguish of families and loved ones torn apart by sudden loss, injury, and trauma,” they stated.

The Catholic body warned that Nigeria diminishes itself whenever innocent life is treated as inconsequential.

“Every human person within the territory of Nigeria carries an inviolable dignity bestowed by God and protected by law. No life is insignificant, and no Nigerian must ever be left unprotected.

“A nation diminishes itself each time a single innocent life is treated as though it were of no consequence. The true measure of our humanity lies in the value we place on every life and the resolve with which we defend it.

“Silence, delay, and routine reactions can no longer suffice where human lives are at stake. The blood of the innocent must not become the signature of our national life,” the statement added.

The statement concluded with prayers for the dead, the wounded, the grieving, and for Nigeria. “May God grant rest to the dead, healing to the wounded, comfort to the grieving, and peace to Nigeria, while raising leaders who will truly protect life and serve the common good. Amen.”