The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Plateau State, deeply shaken by the devastating Christmas Eve attacks, organized a poignant Peace Walk led by ECWA President and CAN Vice President, Rev. Stephen Baba Panya, and other influential church leaders. This event marked a pivotal moment as the leaders presented a ten-point demand for peace in Jos on Monday.
Amidst the heartrending aftermath of the attacks, Christians across Plateau joined the Peace Walk from PRTV Roundabout to the Government House in Jos. At the seat of the state’s administration, the leaders appealed to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, urging the official classification of the armed militia responsible for the assaults as terrorists. CAN stressed that such a designation would empower security agencies to confront them under the Terrorism Act of 2022.
Rev. Stephen Baba Panya stressed the urgency, asserting, “We unanimously call on the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to urgently designate the armed terrorist militias behind these senseless killings as terrorists. This will authorize the military to take decisive action as stipulated in the Terrorism Act of 2022.”
In addition to this crucial step, the church leaders advocated for a comprehensive approach involving regional collaboration with other West African nations through ECOWAS to address the threat posed by the Fulani militias. CAN also pushed for the establishment of a North Central Development Commission to aid in the recovery and rebuilding of affected communities.
Responding to these demands, Governor Caleb Mutfwang assured proactive measures, acknowledging existing security efforts and ongoing dialogues to rectify shortcomings.
Governor Mutfwang affirmed, “We will not stand by as our people face such atrocities. By the grace of God, we will shift from lamenting to taking action. We are committed to halting this carnage and securing our land.”
Rev. Gideon-Para-Mallam, founder of Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation, shared grim statistics from the recent attacks—212 lives lost, 403 houses and food barns destroyed, and numerous vehicles damaged. The Peace Walk concluded with a minute of silence to honor the departed souls.
