This directive comes as Christians prepare to celebrate Easter 2026, a season traditionally marked by joy, reflection, and communal worship, but increasingly overshadowed by fear due to recurring violent attacks on Christian communities.
In a candid interview, Reverend Joseph Hayab, Chairman of CAN in the 19 Northern States and the FCT, expressed deep frustration over the persistent killings and security challenges. He stressed that Christians must no longer live in perpetual fear or allow attackers to deny them the right to celebrate their faith.
“These killers are not spirits. These killers are human beings; they may have got some upper hand, but when our people really organise themselves, a time will come when you see that the person who is chasing you, you are chasing him back,” Hayab said.
He continued emphatically: “Unless and until all of us start organising ourselves to chase those who have been chasing us, they will torment us for the next 200 years. If we are no longer afraid of our attackers, what have we done? Have we been able to defend ourselves? Must we say we are defending ourselves since we are not afraid of the attackers?”
Hayab lamented the pattern of violence that often intensifies during major Christian festivals. “Since 2009 till today, they have been tormenting us every time it is Easter and Christmas; they will deny us the joy of celebrating. They (terrorists) are telling us that they will attack us. What kind of a thing is that? So, should we stop everything and go into hiding? No, every church leader should tell his members that enough is enough of this rubbish,” he declared.
The CAN chairman’s remarks reflect growing anger and a shift in tone among Christian leaders in the North. Rather than passive endurance, the association is advocating for organised self-protection while still calling for improved security from government agencies.
The fresh call for vigilance follows devastating attacks in Plateau and Kaduna states just days before Easter. On Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026, gunmen launched a brutal assault in the predominantly Christian community of Angwan Rukuba in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State. Reports indicate that between 27 and 30 people were killed when attackers opened fire on residents gathered at a popular roadside spot and near church activities. Many more sustained injuries, and the community was thrown into mourning.
Eyewitnesses described the assailants arriving in vehicles and on motorcycles, firing indiscriminately at men, women, and children. Some accounts mentioned attackers chanting religious slogans during the assault, though no group has officially claimed responsibility. The incident occurred in the evening as many residents returned from Palm Sunday services, turning a moment of spiritual observance into a scene of horror.
In a related incident the same night in Southern Kaduna, gunmen attacked a wedding celebration in Kahir village, Kagarko Local Government Area, killing at least 13 people and abducting several others. These back-to-back attacks have left families shattered and heightened tensions across the Middle Belt region.
Christian leaders have accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of inaction and negligence in addressing the root causes of these recurring conflicts. Critics argue that despite repeated promises, security forces have struggled to curb banditry, farmer-herder clashes, and targeted attacks on vulnerable communities, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas of Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, and other northern states.
Beyond self-defence, the Northern CAN has urged security agencies — including the police, military, and other paramilitary forces — to intensify efforts in protecting lives and property, especially during religious festivities when large gatherings make worshippers potential soft targets.
“Security agencies must step up their game. We expect proactive deployment of personnel, intelligence gathering, and rapid response mechanisms to deter would-be attackers,” a CAN statement noted.
At the same time, the association encouraged Christians to observe the Easter season with the usual spiritual fervour but with added security consciousness. Church leaders have been advised to put in place practical measures such as enhanced perimeter security around worship centres, coordination with local vigilante groups where necessary, community watch systems, and avoidance of late-night movements in high-risk areas.
Hayab stressed that the goal is not to promote violence but to reclaim the right to live and worship without constant fear. He believes that when communities become more organised and less passive, attackers will think twice before striking.
The latest incidents fit into a long-standing pattern of communal clashes, banditry, and suspected religious extremism that has plagued parts of Northern and North-Central Nigeria for over a decade. Since 2009, Boko Haram and its splinter groups, alongside unknown gunmen and herder-farmer conflicts, have claimed thousands of lives, displaced millions, and disrupted economic and social activities.
Christian communities have frequently borne the brunt of these attacks, particularly in the Middle Belt, where competition over land, resources, and ethnic identities often takes on religious undertones. Easter and Christmas periods have historically seen spikes in violence, with critics accusing perpetrators of deliberately seeking to disrupt Christian celebrations.
Local observers note that underlying issues such as poverty, weak governance, proliferation of small arms, and failure to prosecute perpetrators have fuelled the cycle of violence. Many affected communities feel abandoned by the central government, leading to growing calls for state governments and local leaders to take more decisive action.
Despite the grim security situation, Northern CAN maintains that Christians should not allow fear to overshadow the significance of Easter — the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which symbolises hope, victory over death, and renewal.
“Even in the face of these challenges, we remain resolute in our faith. We will celebrate Easter with dignity, but we will also be vigilant,” Hayab added.
The association appealed to all Nigerians, regardless of faith, to promote peaceful coexistence and support genuine efforts towards lasting peace. It also called on traditional rulers, youth groups, and civil society organisations to collaborate with security agencies in providing timely intelligence and fostering dialogue.
As Easter Sunday approaches on April 5, 2026, many churches across the North are expected to enhance security protocols while proceeding with services, processions, and outreach programmes. Humanitarian organisations have also raised concerns about the welfare of displaced families and the need for urgent government intervention to address the humanitarian fallout from recent attacks.
The Northern CAN’s bold stance has sparked mixed reactions. While some commend the call for self-reliance in the face of perceived government failure, others caution against any move that could escalate tensions or lead to reprisal violence.
Security analysts warn that without comprehensive strategies addressing both immediate threats and root causes — such as justice delivery, economic empowerment, and interfaith dialogue — the cycle of attacks may continue, further deepening divisions in an already fragile region.
As investigations into the Palm Sunday attacks continue, residents of Jos and surrounding areas remain on edge, hoping that this Easter will not bring more bloodshed. The coming days will test the resilience of Christian communities and the effectiveness of security arrangements put in place by both the government and the people themselves.
