RismadarVoice Media, April 3, 2026
The group particularly condemned the recent attacks in Jos, Plateau State, and parts of Kaduna State on Palm Sunday, which reportedly left several people dead and many others injured.
In a statement issued on Friday to mark Easter, the Chairman of the Forum, Rev. Joseph Hayab, and the Secretary-General, Bishop Mohammed Naga, said the season, which should be marked by joy and spiritual reflection, is instead being observed in grief and fear.
“Instead of joy and spiritual reflection, many communities across Northern Nigeria are marking this Easter in grief, uncertainty, and under the shadow of recurring violence,” the statement read.
The Christian leaders noted that the attacks in Jos North Local Government Area and surrounding communities led to the loss of innocent lives and displacement of residents at a time when preparations for Easter were underway.
They added that the situation is not limited to Plateau State, pointing out that several states across the region, including Benue, Borno, Niger, and Taraba, continue to face killings, abductions, and widespread insecurity.
“The painful reality is that these incidents are not limited to one state. Across Benue, Borno, Niger, and Taraba, communities are facing persistent violence, displacement, and fear,” they stated.
The Forum expressed concern over what it described as a recurring pattern of attacks during Christian holy periods, raising questions about the effectiveness of current security arrangements.
“The recurrence of these attacks during sacred periods raises serious concerns about the adequacy of security measures and the ability of authorities to protect citizens at such critical times,” the group said.
It warned that the continued cycle of violence could normalise insecurity and further erode public confidence in the government’s ability to safeguard lives and property.
The Forum, therefore, called on the Federal Government and security agencies to move beyond routine condemnations and take decisive steps to end the violence.
“We call on the Federal Government and all security agencies to go beyond mere condemnation and take decisive, sustained action to break this cycle of violence and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice,” the leaders said.
It also urged religious, traditional, and community leaders to intensify efforts toward promoting peace, unity, and tolerance across the region.
“Leaders at all levels must rise to the occasion by fostering unity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among our people,” the statement added.
Despite the challenges, the Forum said the message of Easter remains one of hope, renewal, and resilience, encouraging Christians not to lose faith.
“Even in the midst of these challenges, Easter reminds us of hope, renewal, and the triumph of light over darkness. We urge the faithful to remain steadfast and not give in to fear,” it stated.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for a peaceful Northern Nigeria where citizens of all faiths can live, worship, and celebrate without fear, intimidation, or violence, while calling for renewed efforts by all stakeholders to achieve lasting peace, justice, and security in the region.
