You Must Defend Yourselves – CAN
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has advised its members in the north to defend themselves against persistent attacks. This follows a Palm Sunday raid in Jos North, Plateau State, where gunmen killed over 20 people. Joseph Hayab, the chairman of CAN for the 19 northern states, warned that Christians must stop being “chased like animals.” He argued that relying solely on government promises has left communities vulnerable for over a decade. The rhetoric marks a sharp departure from traditional calls for restraint.
Defence Headquarters responded to the escalating tension by placing troops on nationwide alert. Major General Michael Onoja assured the public that security forces would maintain heightened vigilance throughout the Easter period. Despite these assurances, the feeling on the ground remains one of profound distrust. Many residents view the official deployments as reactive rather than preventive. The Jos city centre attack has particularly shaken confidence in the local intelligence network.
The debate over how to protect these communities has split security experts. Retired Brigadier General John Sura suggested that citizens should carry licensed Dane guns or sharp objects for protection. He argued that the law allows for minimal self-defence when the state fails to provide cover. Sura noted that victims were dragged from their homes and slaughtered because they had no means to resist. In his view, inflicting injury on an attacker is a better alternative than passive execution.
Other veterans cautioned against a civilian arms race. Lieutenant Colonel Abdulwahab Ademola warned that arming the public could worsen the national security crisis. He suggested that communities should focus on early warning systems and simulation drills instead. Such systems would allow residents to detect and report threats before attackers arrive. Ademola believes that knowing how to disperse and protect the vulnerable is more effective than uncoordinated gunfire.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) joined the call for a total review of the nation’s security architecture. PFN Secretary David Bakare questioned how attackers could strike within a major city like Jos with such ease. He suggested that the resurgence of violence points to a lapse in intelligence or a shift in insurgent funding. The group is demanding an investigation into whether political dynamics are fueling the renewed bloodshed. Simply opening more military camps is no longer seen as a sufficient fix.
The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has since ordered a massive deployment of assets to Plateau State. High-ranking officers are now on the ground to coordinate operations and restore a sense of calm. However, the psychological damage is already done. Church leaders insist that the war is as much about fear as it is about territory. They are telling their congregations to stand firm and refuse to let the threat of violence disrupt their religious observances.