Nigerians Must Not Get Used To Killings – Association

The Northern Christian Association (NCA) has condemned the latest attacks in Plateau State, warning that Nigerians must not become accustomed to killings.

The association said the attacks, which reportedly claimed at least nine lives, including a pastor on his way to church, underscored the urgent need for the government and security agencies to move beyond reactive responses and adopt proactive measures to prevent further attacks.

In a statement issued to journalists in Kaduna on Tuesday, NCA chairman, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, expressed concern over the recurring violence in the State and its devastating consequences for families, communities and livelihoods.

According to the association, the latest attacks occurred between Saturday night and Sunday morning across parts of Barkin Ladi, Riyom and neighbouring communities.

Hayab explained that five people travelling towards Gana-Ropp in Barkin Ladi were reportedly killed when their vehicle came under attack, while a pastor and another person were killed on their way to church at Dorowa Babuje.

The NCA chairman said every life lost represented a human tragedy that should command the attention of government and the wider society, stressing that the repeated attacks should concern every Nigerian, irrespective of ethnic, religious or political differences.

“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. Every life lost is a national tragedy and deserves our collective concern,” he said.

The NCA chairman commended the Federal and Plateau State governments, as well as security personnel who continue to risk their lives in the service of citizens.

He, however, urged the authorities to urgently review the security situation in vulnerable parts of the State and strengthen measures to identify and neutralise threats before they escalate into attacks.

He also stressed the need for closer collaboration between security agencies and local residents, noting that communities should be treated as critical partners in the fight against insecurity rather than merely as victims awaiting intervention after attacks.

“Residents are often the first to notice unusual movements, suspicious activities and emerging threats in their communities. Such information could help security agencies prevent attacks if reliable channels are created for reporting intelligence and appropriate action is taken promptly,” the statement said.

The association further called for thorough investigations into the attacks and urged security agencies to arrest and prosecute those found responsible in accordance with the law.

NCA condoled with the families of those killed, the affected communities and the Plateau State Government, while urging the authorities to provide necessary support to victims and residents whose lives and livelihoods have been disrupted by the violence.