Jos killings: Northern leaders, NGF, Kwankwaso, others demand justice

By Luminous Jannamike, Demola Akinyemi, Gabriel Ewepu & Golok Nanmwa

ABUJA/JOS—Outrage has continued to trail the killing of scores of residents in Angwan Rukuba, Gari Ya Waye area of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, as Northern Christian leaders, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, the Coalition of Northern Groups, CNG, and former governor of the state, Senator Jonah Jang, condemned the attack and demanded swift justice.

The attack, which occurred on Palm Sunday, reportedly claimed at least 28 lives, with several others injured and currently receiving treatment in hospitals, sparking grief and renewed concerns over worsening insecurity in the North.

NOCRELA cites security lapses

Northern Christian leaders, under the aegis of the Northern Christian Religious Leaders Assembly, NOCRELA, described the killings as senseless and blamed security lapses for the tragedy.

In a statement by its Chairman, Archbishop JohnPraise Daniel, the group expressed deep sorrow and outrage over what it called the desecration of a sacred day.

“Palm Sunday symbolises peace, humility and love. It is deeply painful that such a holy day was marked by violence and loss of innocent lives,” the clerics said.

They urged security agencies to act swiftly to investigate the incident and bring perpetrators to justice, warning that failure to do so could embolden further attacks.

“The lives of Nigerians must be protected, and no community should live under the shadow of fear. Nigeria must not become a land where innocent blood is shed without consequence,” the statement added.

The group also called for an emergency meeting to address the rising attacks on Christian communities in Northern Nigeria and chart a way forward.

NGF calls for immediate end to violence

Similarly, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum condemned the killings in strong terms, calling for restraint and an immediate end to the cycle of violence.

In a statement issued by its Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the forum described the attacks as unfortunate and counterproductive to national development.

“A cycle of violence does no good. It leaves communities bitter, vengeful and deprived of sustainable development,” the statement said.

The NGF extended condolences to the families of the victims and the Plateau State government, while commending Governor Caleb Muftwang for his swift response to the incident.

It also prayed for the repose of the souls of those killed and quick recovery for the injured.

It’s a national emergency— Kwankwaso

Adding his voice, a former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, said the recurring killings in Plateau State and other parts of the country should no longer be treated as routine incidents but as a national emergency.

In a post on his verified Facebook page, Kwankwaso described the attack as “barbaric” and “senseless,” warning that the continued bloodshed reflects a failure of leadership and a growing culture of impunity.

“The recurring violence in Plateau State, and indeed across several parts of Nigeria, can no longer be treated as business as usual. It must be treated as a national emergency,” he said, while condoling with families of the victims and the affected community.

Killings, a grave assaulton humanity — CNG

On its part, the Coalition of Northern Groups, CNG, described the killings as a “grave assault on humanity,” warning against attempts to exploit the situation along ethnic or religious lines.

In a statement by its National Coordinator,  Jamilu Charanchi, the group expressed concern over rising insecurity in the region, citing recent attacks in Plateau and Kaduna states.

“CNG is disturbed by reports of retaliatory actions by some youths, which risk igniting a dangerous cycle of violence. We strongly caution against reprisals, mob actions or profiling based on identity,” he said.

Charanchi also alleged that foreign elements and non-state actors could be taking advantage of local conflicts to destabilise the region.

He urged both federal and state governments to adopt proactive and sustainable strategies to tackle insecurity, stressing that reliance on reactive measures had proven inadequate.

“The recurrence of such attacks underscores gaps in intelligence and response coordination. Government must address the root causes of insecurity and restore public confidence through effective security operations,” he added.

Perpetrators are agents of darkness — Jang

Also reacting, former Plateau State governor and Senator representing Plateau North, Jonah Jang, condemned the killings, describing the perpetrators as “agents of darkness.”

“For how long shall these killings continue? These are not just statistics but human lives full of promise that have been cut short,” he said in a statement by his media aide.

Jang called for urgent reforms in security operations, stressing that the brazen nature of the attack within the state capital highlighted serious lapses in intelligence gathering.

He renewed calls for the establishment of state police, urging President Bola Tinubu to expedite action on the initiative to empower governors to tackle insecurity effectively.

“The government must move from reactionary responses to preventive measures. The terrorists appear to be adopting new tactics, and security agencies must rejig their strategies accordingly,” he said.

The senator also appealed to youths to remain calm and avoid reprisals, warning that retaliatory attacks would only worsen the situation.

He called on security agencies to intensify surveillance across communities and ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice.

Bauchi gov defects to ADC tomorrow 

Governor Bala Moham

med of Bauchi State has indicated plans to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the African Democratic Congress, ADC, tomorrow, citing the party’s potential to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in 2027.

Mohammed disclosed this shortly after a closed-door meeting with a delegation of the ADC led by a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, at the Presidential Lodge in Bauchi.

He revealed that the National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark, had extended an invitation to him to join the party, describing the ADC as a “preferred destination,” though consultations were still ongoing.

According to him, a final decision on the proposed defection would be taken soon, with a formal declaration expected by Thursday.

“We are very conscious of the timeline. Everything will be concluded by Thursday so that we can move forward together. You will hear a firm commitment from us,” he said.

The governor attributed his move to the lingering crisis within the PDP, which he described as “headless,” noting that efforts to reconcile aggrieved members had failed.

“We have found ourselves in a very serious ambivalence where our party is headless. We have to find a place within the opposition. That is where our fate and political destiny are taking us to, and ADC appears to be a very enduring and acceptable platform,” he stated.

Mohammed said the decision to consider joining the ADC followed extensive consultations and assessments of the political landscape.

He disclosed that two committees had been set up-one in Abuja and another in Bauchi-to evaluate options available to his political camp, including possible alliances with other parties.

He added that remaining in a political environment where his supporters no longer feel accommodated was no longer sustainable.

Despite the planned move, the governor said all avenues for reconciliation within the PDP had been explored at both the national and state levels without success.

Earlier, leader of the ADC delegation, Babachir Lawal, said the visit was at the instance of the party’s leadership to formally invite Mohammed into its fold.

Lawal described the Bauchi governor as a formidable political figure, noting that his entry into the ADC would significantly boost the party’s strength ahead of future elections.

He also stressed the need for unity among opposition parties, warning that failure to consolidate could undermine efforts to challenge the ruling party.

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