Enough Is Enough Defend Yourselves’ – CAN Urges Northern Christians

Enough Is Enough Defend Yourselves’ – CAN Urges Northern Christians
Plateau killings heighten fears ahead of Easter celebrations
Retired general calls for lawful self defence and local security

The Christian Association of Nigeria has called on Christians in northern Nigeria to take proactive steps to defend themselves following renewed attacks in parts of the region.

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.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the attack occurred around 8 pm, heightening fears among residents and raising fresh concerns over security ahead of the Easter celebrations.

In response, the Defence Headquarters placed troops nationwide on alert to prevent further incidents during the festive period.

Speaking during an end-of-month briefing in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, assured Nigerians that surveillance had been intensified and that security forces were working to ensure a peaceful Easter celebration.

However, in an interview, the Chairman of CAN for the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, Joseph Hayab, said the Christian community would not allow the killings to instil fear.

According to him, Christians must begin to organise themselves 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 warned that continued silence would embolden those behind the attacks.

“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 added.

Hayab also lamented that such attacks often coincide with major Christian celebrations.

“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 Christians should take up arms, he declined to disclose any strategy, citing security concerns.

“If we start telling everything we know, we will just help the enemy of the church to triumph,” he said.

He, however, urged Christians to remain resolute and continue their religious activities despite the situation.

“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, John Sura, supported lawful self-defence and stronger community-based security measures.

Sura said citizens should take steps within the law to protect themselves rather than remain vulnerable 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.

“You can also carry very sharp objects that you keep to defend yourself in case of any attacks,” he added.

He also called on state governments to strengthen local security structures, including vigilance groups and community outfits, to complement formal security agencies.

According to him, initiatives such as Operation Rainbow in Plateau State should be reinforced to improve response capacity.

“The police and the military cannot be everywhere. We must augment them with local structures and timely intelligence,” he said.

Defend Yourselves’ – CAN Urges Northern Christians

Sura further attributed recurring attacks to intelligence failures and weak collaboration between communities and security agencies, urging residents to share useful information with authorities.