Easter: Northern CAN urges members to defend themselves amid rising attacks

 

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory has urged Christians to take proactive steps to defend themselves against persistent attacks, particularly during the Easter period.

The call follows the recent Palm Sunday attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, where over 20 people were killed and several others injured.

Speaking in an interview, Northern CAN Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab, said the continued killings have become unacceptable, stressing that Christians must organise to resist attackers rather than live in fear.

“These killers are human beings. When our people organise themselves, a time will come when those chasing us will be chased back,” he said.

Hayab, however, did not explicitly call for the use of arms, noting that CAN would not disclose all its strategies, but insisted that the Christian community would not be intimidated into abandoning religious activities.

“We are angry with the killings and the inability of government to stop them, but we will not allow the attackers to stop us from celebrating Easter,” he added.

Security experts are divided on the issue of self-defence. A retired military officer, Brig. Gen. John Sura, advocated lawful self-defence and stronger community-based security structures, including vigilance groups, to complement security agencies.

He said citizens could take minimal protective measures within the law, while urging improved intelligence sharing between communities and security forces.

In contrast, another security expert, Lt. Col. Abdulwahab Ademola (retd.), warned against arming civilians, arguing that it could worsen insecurity. He instead recommended early warning systems, community training, and structured local policing as safer alternatives.

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) also called for a thorough review of the country’s security strategy, describing the resurgence of violence as deeply troubling and indicative of possible lapses in intelligence and response mechanisms.

Meanwhile, security agencies have intensified efforts to restore calm, with the Inspector-General of Police ordering increased deployment of personnel to Plateau State to track down those responsible for the attack and prevent further violence.