The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on Christians in the northern part of the country to take proactive steps to defend themselves against persistent attacks.
The call followed the Palm Sunday attack on Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, which left more than 20 people dead and several others injured.
The attack occurred around 8 pm, heightening fears among residents and raising fresh concerns over security ahead of the Easter celebrations.
Following the incident, the Defence Headquarters placed troops across the country on alert to prevent further attacks during the Easter period.
Speaking during the end-of-the-month briefing in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, assured Nigerians that security forces had heightened surveillance and vigilance.
He said the military had intensified efforts to ensure citizens celebrate the Easter festivities without fear.
However, speaking to Saturday PUNCH, the Chairman of CAN in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, Joseph Hayab, said Christians would not allow the wave of killings to intimidate them.
According to him, the Christian community must begin to organise itself against the attackers.
“These killers are not spirits. These killers are human beings; they may have got some upper hand, but when our people really organise themselves, a time will come when you see that the person who is chasing you, you are chasing him back,” Hayab said.
He added that continued silence and fear would only embolden the attackers.
“Unless and until all of us start organising ourselves to chase those who have been chasing us, they will torment us for the next 200 years,” he said.
Hayab also lamented that attacks frequently occur during major Christian celebrations such as Easter and Christmas.
“Since 2009 till today, they have been tormenting us every time it is Easter and Christmas; they will deny us the joy of celebrating,” he said.
When asked whether the Christian body would advise its members to carry arms, Hayab declined to disclose the group’s strategy.
According to him, revealing detailed plans could expose the Christian community to further danger.
“If we start telling everything we know, we will just help the enemy of the church to triumph,” he said.
Hayab, however, emphasised that Christians should remain resolute and continue their religious activities.
“We are angry with the killings; we are angry with the inability of government and security services to stop the killings, but we are also calling on Christians not to be deterred because this whole war is psychological,” he added.
Meanwhile, a retired military officer, Brigadier General John Sura, supported the idea of lawful self-defence and stronger community-based security measures.
Sura, a former governorship aspirant in Plateau State, said citizens should take minimal steps within the law to protect themselves rather than remain helpless during attacks.
“Self-defence allows you to carry a Dane gun, and then you have a licence to carry that. If you go to the police, they can give you that,” he said.
He also noted that individuals could carry legally permitted tools for protection.
“You can also carry very sharp objects that you keep to defend yourself in case of any attacks,” he added.
Sura further urged state governments to strengthen local security structures, including vigilance groups and community security outfits.
According to him, such groups can serve as an additional layer of defence when attacks occur.
He specifically mentioned the need for improved deployment of Operation Rainbow, a local security initiative in Plateau State.
“The police and the military cannot be everywhere. We must augment them with local structures and timely intelligence,” he said.
The retired officer also blamed recurring attacks on intelligence failures and poor collaboration between communities and security agencies.
He therefore urged residents to share useful information with authorities and called on state governments to activate local security frameworks to complement federal security efforts.
