- The Northern chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has advised its members to take proactive steps to defend their communities following a wave of persistent attacks in the region.
- Chairman Joseph Hayab stated that the Christian community will no longer give in to fear, urging church leaders to encourage members to organize and “chase back” attackers.
- While calling for community action, CAN also appealed to security agencies to intensify protection efforts during the Easter period to prevent the disruption of religious celebrations.
The Northern chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has issued a strong call for self-defense and community organization as the region prepares for the Easter holidays.
Eko Hot Blog reports that in a statement released on Saturday, April 4, 2026, the association expressed deep concern over the recurring pattern of violence that often targets large religious gatherings during festive seasons.
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Joseph Hayab, Chairman of CAN for the 19 Northern states and the FCT, emphasized that the time has come for communities to move beyond fear.
He argued that the perpetrators of these attacks are not “spirits” but human beings who can be resisted if communities are properly organized and vigilant.
According to the association, Christian communities have been subjected to torment and fear during almost every major holiday since 2009.
Hayab noted that the constant threat of attack is designed to deny believers the joy of celebration, a situation he described as “rubbish” that must be addressed with more than just prayers.
“Unless and until all of us start organizing ourselves to chase those who have been chasing us, they will torment us for the next 200 years,” Hayab said.
He urged church leaders to convey a message of resilience to their congregations, stating that Christians must be prepared to protect their lives and property when official security measures fall short.
The call for self-defense follows recent tragedies in Jos, Plateau State, where at least 28 people were killed, as well as ongoing violence in Southern Kaduna.
Christian leadership has grown increasingly vocal in its criticism of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, accusing the federal government of negligence and a lack of decisive action to halt the bloodshed.
While the primary message was one of self-reliance, Northern CAN did not absolve the state of its responsibilities.
The association formally requested that security agencies increase their presence at places of worship and high-risk areas throughout the weekend.
Despite the heightened security warnings, Christians across the Northern states have been encouraged to observe the Easter season peacefully.
The leadership maintains that being security-conscious does not mean abandoning the spiritual significance of the season, but rather ensuring that the faith can be practiced safely.
