The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and Abuja has condemned in the strongest terms the recent spate of brutal killings in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, describing the attacks as “barbaric” and “a direct threat to peace and unity.”
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Kaduna, Rev. Yakubu Pam, who leads Northern CAN, expressed deep sorrow over the continued violence that has claimed numerous innocent lives in the troubled region.
“We are deeply saddened and outraged by the senseless and barbaric attacks that have claimed the lives of innocent and peace-loving citizens,” Pam said.
“These repeated acts of violence are not only a violation of human dignity and the sanctity of life, but they are also a direct threat to the peace and unity of our state and the nation at large.”
Pam called on security agencies to act with urgency, urging them to track down and prosecute those responsible for the killings. He also appealed to the government at all levels to prioritise the protection of vulnerable communities across Plateau State.
“We call on security agencies to act swiftly and decisively to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” he said.
“We also urge the government to take proactive steps to prevent further bloodshed.”
The association further stressed the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach to peacebuilding. Pam appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, security agencies, and community-based organisations to collaborate in efforts aimed at ending the recurring violence.
“The time has come for all stakeholders to unite in purpose and work together to end the cycle of violence that has plagued Plateau State for far too long,” he added.
Rev. Pam reaffirmed Northern CAN’s solidarity with the grieving families and the people of Bassa, offering prayers for peace, healing, and justice.
“We pray for peace, healing, and justice. Plateau must not bleed again,” he said.
The renewed call for peace comes amid internal tensions within CAN’s northern bloc, where a leadership crisis has emerged. Rev. Pam’s tenure as chairman has been called into question, with a faction led by Rev. Hayab recently holding an election to name a new chairperson—an election Pam’s allies have described as a “religious coup” and “fraudulent.”
Despite the controversy, Northern CAN maintains its focus on addressing the worsening security situation in the Middle Belt region, particularly in Plateau, which has witnessed a resurgence of violent attacks in recent months.