The Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) have condemned the killings in Anguwan Rukuba area of Jos, Plateau State, describing the incident as senseless, barbaric and unacceptable.
On Sunday, gunmen invaded the community at about 7:30 p.m., killing 27 people while several others were injured.
In separate statements issued Wednesday in Kaduna, they called on security agencies to act swiftly and decisively to fish out the perpetrators of the heinous crime and ensure they are brought to justice.
NOSCEF, in its statement signed by its Chairman, Elder Sunday Oibe, expressed deep grief, outrage, and unequivocal condemnation of what it described as the brutal killing of innocent citizens.
It noted that the incident took place on Palm Sunday, a sacred day of reflection and peace for Christians, stressing that the timing underscored the provocative and barbaric nature of the act.
According to NOSCEF, the attack was a direct assault not only on human life but also on the values of coexistence, tolerance, and religious harmony that have long defined Jos and Plateau State.
“NOSCEF strongly condemns this dastardly act of violence against innocent and defenceless citizens. “Such wanton bloodshed is unacceptable and must not be allowed to continue unchecked,” Oibe said.
The forum described the recurring pattern of attacks and serial killings on the Plateau as deeply troubling, calling for urgent, decisive, and sustained intervention.
It urged relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to fish out the perpetrators and bring them to justice, warning that “failure to hold offenders accountable would embolden criminal elements and perpetuate a cycle of violence.”
The forum also called on government at all levels, security institutions, community leaders, and other stakeholders to work collaboratively to end the recurring attacks.
“All hands must be on deck to identify, confront, and dismantle the networks of those who derive pleasure in the killing of innocent citizens,” he added.
The forum appealed to residents of Plateau state to remain calm but vigilant and to uphold the principles of peace, unity, and lawful conduct despite provocation.
It extended condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, insisting that urgent action was required to halt the violence.
Similarly, PFN, in its statement signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, expressed deep sorrow and grave concern over the killings.
“This senseless act of violence is not only a tragedy for the affected families and the people of Plateau State, but also a painful reminder of the fragile peace that must be protected at all costs,” PFN stated.
The fellowship stressed that the renewed bloodshed on the Plateau was unacceptable and must be brought to an immediate end.
It warned that “Plateau State must not be allowed to slide back into its past marked by fear, division, and unchecked violence, insisting that the sanctity of human life must remain paramount.”
PFN also called on security agencies to “act swiftly and decisively to fish out the perpetrators and ensure they are brought to justice.”
It noted that the audacity of the attackers to strike within the city was a serious concern that must not be ignored and demanded a firm, coordinated, and sustained response.
The fellowship further urged community leaders, stakeholders, and residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with law enforcement agencies, and resist any attempt to inflame tensions or provoke reprisals.
It emphasised that unity and restraint were essential, adding that “the menace must be resisted with every legitimate means until peace, security, and justice prevail.
PFN expressed solidarity with the victims and their families, maintaining that such acts of violence have no place in society.
NOSCEF, PFN condemn Jos killings, demand justice for victims
