News
Palm Sunday Killings: Nigeria Cannot Continue Like This-CAN
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.
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
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