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Palm Sunday Killings: Nigeria Cannot Continue Like This-CAN

Published

2 months ago

March 30, 2026

Joel Ajayi

The Christian Association of Nigeria has strongly condemned the gruesome killing of innocent Nigerians during a Palm Sunday attack in Jos, Plateau State, describing the incident as unacceptable and a painful reflection of the country’s worsening security situation.

In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, and signed by its President, Daniel Okoh, CAN expressed outrage over the attack which occurred on March 29 in Angwan Rukuba, Gari Ya Waye area of Jos North.

The association lamented that Palm Sunday, a day meant for peace, hope, and spiritual reflection, was instead turned into a day of bloodshed as armed men reportedly stormed the community and opened fire on defenceless residents, killing men, women, and children.

Describing the incident as both tragic and unacceptable, CAN said the attackers, said to be in large numbers, disguised themselves in uniforms resembling those of security personnel, thereby deepening fear and eroding public trust.

“Lives were cut short in minutes, families shattered, and an entire community left traumatised,” the statement read, noting that Nigerians can no longer continue to live in fear within their own homes.

While mourning the victims, the Christian body questioned the persistent insecurity across the country and called for urgent and decisive action from authorities.

“Nigerians are tired of mourning. Nigerians are tired of statements. What the people want now is action,” the association stated, insisting that those responsible for the killings must be swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.

CAN also raised concerns over the use of fake military uniforms by the attackers, describing it as a dangerous development that undermines confidence in the nation’s security institutions.
It called for a thorough investigation into the matter and urged security agencies to adopt proactive strategies to prevent future occurrences.

The association acknowledged efforts by the Plateau State Government but stressed that temporary responses are insufficient, insisting that citizens deserve lasting and reliable security.

Addressing Christian faithful nationwide, CAN urged vigilance during the Holy Week, especially as churches prepare for Good Friday observances, Stations of the Cross, Easter vigils, and other religious gatherings.

It advised congregations to take precautionary measures, remain alert, and work closely with security agencies and local authorities to ensure safety.

“Faith must remain strong, but it must also be guided by wisdom,” the statement noted, adding that while Christians must not allow fear to silence their worship, they must also not ignore prevailing security threats.

CAN emphasized that although Holy Week symbolizes hope and victory of light over darkness, Nigeria is currently going through a painful and difficult period that demands urgent change.

“A nation cannot keep bleeding like this and expect to move forward. We owe the dead justice, the living protection, and the future a country where no community wakes up to violence on a sacred day,” the statement concluded.

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FG Commits To National Development With Major Contract Agreements — Umahi

Published

17 hours ago

May 14, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works, has again signed landmark contract agreements with four (4) construction firms to execute critical road projects across the country, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The contract signing ceremony, held on Thursday at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja, marks another major step in the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering durable, sustainable road infrastructure that enhances connectivity, stimulates economic growth, and improves the quality of life of Nigerians.

The four contractors and their respective projects are as follows:

1. Messrs J. Patel and Sons Nigeria Limited – Reconstruction of Mando (Kaduna) – Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State,

2. Messrs JRB Construction Company Limited – Dualisation of Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road in Oyo and Ogun States,

3. Messrs Truecrete Solutions Limited – Construction of Osogbo–Ikirun–Akoda Road in Osun State and

4. Messrs Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited – Construction of Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan Road in Osun and Oyo States.

Speaking during the event, the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, described the projects as strategic national infrastructure designed to boost economic activities, improve transportation efficiency, and strengthen national integration. He noted that the reconstruction of the Mando (Kaduna) –Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State holds special significance, as it was one of the key infrastructure development commitments made by His Excellency, President Tinubu during the 2022/2023 electioneering campaigns. According to the Minister, the present administration remains resolute in its determination to deliver world-class infrastructure that will stand the test of time. “Our vision is to build roads that will last for generations. Under the Renewed Hope administration, we are determined to deliver infrastructure that can serve Nigerians for up to 100 years through the adoption of rigid pavement (concrete) technology,” Umahi stated.

The Minister commended the selected contractors for their competence, track records, and proven capacity, emphasising the Federal Government’s confidence in indigenous contractors. He particularly praised Messrs JRB Construction Company Limited, Truecrete Solutions Limited, and other indigenous firms for their commendable performances on previous projects across the country.

Umahi charged all contractors to mobilise to their respective project sites immediately and commence work without delay, stressing that the Ministry expects measurable progress within the stipulated timelines.

Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Olarinre Adeladan, who formally signed the contract agreements, described the occasion as the successful completion of the procurement process and the official commencement of project implementation.

He commended the leadership of the Ministry for its commitment to ensuring that projects reached the execution stage and reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to effective monitoring, quality assurance, and timely delivery.

Also speaking, the Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Mr. Clement Ogbuagu, presented details of the awarded contracts as follows:

1. Reconstruction of Mando–Birnin Gwari Road, Kaduna State

Contractor: Messrs J. Patel and Sons Nigeria Limited

Contract Sum: ₦178,116,787,162.00

Length: 122 Kilometres

2. Dualisation of Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road, Oyo and Ogun States

Contractor: JRB Construction Company Limited,

Contract Sum: ₦295,996,609,992.77

Length: 114.5 Kilometres (Single Carriageway Equivalent)

3. Construction of Osogbo–Ikirun–Akoda Road, Osun State

Contractor: Truecrete Solutions Limited

Contract Sum: ₦101,806,585,825.90

Length: 70 Kilometres (Single Carriageway Equivalent) and

4. Construction of Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan Road, Osun State

Contractor: Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited

Contract Sum: ₦114,854,477,607.93

Length: 73 Kilometres

All the projects will be executed using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology, in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to building durable, cost-effective, and sustainable road infrastructure nationwide.

The ceremony represents another significant milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to modernise Nigeria’s road network and accelerate national economic development.

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