The Northern Christian Association has condemned the latest killings in Plateau State, warning that Nigerians must not become so accustomed to violence that the deaths of innocent citizens are treated as ordinary occurrences.
The association said the latest attacks, which reportedly claimed at least nine lives across communities in the state, including a pastor travelling to church, underscored the need for the government and security agencies to move beyond reactive measures and prevent attacks before they occur.
The NCA Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab, made the position known in a statement issued to journalists in Kaduna on Tuesday.
Hayab expressed concern over the recurring violence in Plateau State and its devastating impact on families, communities and livelihoods.
He said every life lost represented a human tragedy that should command the attention of the government and Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, religious or political differences.
According to him, the recent attacks occurred between Saturday night and Sunday morning across parts of Barkin Ladi, Riyom and neighbouring communities.
He said 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.
Hayab added that separate attacks were also reported at Baten Wereng and Ratyidi.
“Is that how lives have become so cheap that they can now be taken at will?
“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,” he said.
The NCA chairman said the frequency of attacks should not diminish Nigerians’ sense of compassion, stressing that every victim left behind relatives, friends and communities that continued to bear the consequences of the violence.
While commending the Federal and Plateau State governments, as well as security personnel, for their efforts, Hayab urged the authorities to urgently review the security situation in vulnerable communities and strengthen measures to identify and neutralise threats before they result in attacks.
He said increased deployment of security personnel could provide temporary reassurance, but argued that the long-term solution required a security system capable of detecting threats early, acting on credible intelligence and preventing attackers from reaching vulnerable communities.
Hayab also called for closer collaboration between security agencies and local residents, describing communities as critical partners in the fight against insecurity.
“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,” he said.
The association further urged security agencies to thoroughly investigate the attacks and ensure that those responsible were arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The NCA condoled with the families of the victims, affected communities and the Plateau State Government, while calling for support for residents whose lives and livelihoods had been disrupted by the violence.
Hayab said the recurring attacks should remind authorities that the protection of citizens should not be measured only by the response after an incident, but also by the ability of security agencies to anticipate threats, prevent attacks and protect vulnerable communities.