In a statement released on Monday and signed by its President, Daniel Okoh, the association condemned the violence that occurred on March 29, 2026, in Angwan Rukuba, Gari Ya Waye area of Jos North Local Government Area in Plateau State.

Okoh expressed deep concern over the attack, noting the pain and devastation inflicted on the Christian community.

He said, “Palm Sunday is meant to be a day of peace, hope, and reflection. Instead, it became a day of bloodshed. Innocent Nigerians—men, women, and children—were hunted and killed in cold blood. Let us be clear: this is not just tragic; it is unacceptable.”

According to CAN, reports indicate that the attackers, described as armed men, invaded the community in large numbers and disguised themselves in uniforms resembling those of security operatives before launching an assault on unsuspecting residents.

“Lives were cut short in minutes. Families have been shattered. A community has been traumatised,” the statement read.

The association said the incident raises serious concerns about the safety of citizens and the ability of security agencies to prevent such attacks, particularly during important religious events.

“We mourn. We grieve. But we must also speak the truth. How did we get here? How is it that people can no longer feel safe in their own homes? How is it that, even on a sacred day, communities are left exposed to such terror?” Okoh queried.

CAN further noted that Nigerians are increasingly frustrated with recurring incidents of violence and routine official responses, stressing the need for concrete action against those responsible.

“Those responsible for this atrocity must be found, arrested, and made to face justice—swiftly and decisively. Anything less will only deepen the sense that life in our country is no longer protected,” the CAN president stated.

He also described the reported use of fake military uniforms by the attackers as alarming, warning that such tactics could erode public confidence in security institutions if not properly addressed.

“It strikes at the very heart of public trust and must be thoroughly investigated. Our security institutions must not only respond; they must stay ahead of these threats,” he added.

While acknowledging the efforts of the Plateau State Government, the association insisted that more effective and lasting security measures must be put in place to safeguard lives and property.

“The people of Plateau, and indeed all Nigerians, deserve lasting security, not periodic reassurance,” the statement noted.

CAN also called on Christians to remain cautious during the Holy Week, urging them to combine prayer with vigilance and cooperation with security agencies.

“Be prayerful, but also be vigilant. Stay alert. Work with security agencies and local authorities. Look out for one another,” Okoh urged.

He concluded by calling for national reflection and immediate steps to end the recurring cycle of violence across the country.

“A nation cannot keep bleeding like this and expect to move forward. We owe the dead justice. We owe the living protection. And we owe our future a country where no community wakes up to gunfire on a sacred day,” he said.

Emerging reports, however, suggest that security operatives have been able to repel the attack, although the identity of the assailants is yet to be verified.

Military Information Officer for Operation Safe Haven, Major Ishaku confirmed this to Channels Television on Sunday evening.

Ishaku explained that personnel of the joint task force at the facility fought to curtail the attackers.

Also giving an account of the attack, the Controller of Corrections and Public Relations Officer, Francis Enobore noted that the invaders arrived at the Jos custodial center at about 5:00 pm on Sunday and immediately approached the main gate where they were engaged and resisted by the armed squad personnel in a gun battle.

But the gunmen persisted and were able to break into the yard.

Mr Enobore however, noted that although the invaders gained entrance into the yard, they were trapped within the facility as personnel from other security services were mobilised to assist the armed guards to cordon the perimeter wall and the entire area.

While the gunmen were still cornered within the facility, additional reinforcement from the response squad of the custodial center joined their colleagues to ensure that the counter-assault was sustained.

The situation, according to the spokesperson, is now under control as the attackers’ firing power was subdued by superior fire from a combined team of security agencies.

The spokesman did not reveal if there were any casualties and if any arrests have been made.

ChannelsTV

The Primate, who currently sits as the Chairman of the Board of LIST, charged the participants and churches to see that Scripture and Scripture-based materials are available in every Nigerian language as well as to promote the translation of Scripture into languages, and encourage its use to enhance the transformation of lives.

Luke Initiative for Scripture Translation (LIST) in Nigeria is a Bible translation organization that was registered in 2014. LIST is involved in providing training and consulting help in translation skills, especially in languages that have not been developed and where no translation of the Bible is yet available.

The Primate also used the opportunity of being in Jos to visit Gidan Kauna to pray with The Most Revd. Dr. and Dr. Mrs. Ben Kwashi and the entire household. He also worshipped at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke where he commiserated with the people of Bassa especially on the killings of the previous weeks and prayed for God’s peace.

By Princewill Ireoba