The Northern Christian Association has urged the Federal Government and security agencies to strengthen preventive measures following fresh attacks in Plateau State that reportedly left at least nine people dead.
The group said the latest incidents, which claimed the lives of a pastor on his way to church among others, should not be allowed to become another routine episode of violence.
NCA Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab, stated this in a statement issued to journalists in Kaduna on Tuesday, expressing concern over the recurring attacks and their effects on families, communities and livelihoods.
Hayab said the reported killings occurred between Saturday night and Sunday morning in parts of Barkin Ladi, Riyom and neighbouring communities.
He said five people travelling towards Gana-Ropp in Barkin Ladi were killed after their vehicle came under attack, while a pastor and another person were killed while travelling to church at Dorowa Babuje.
According to him, Baten Wereng and Ratyidi also recorded separate attacks.
“Is that how lives have become so cheap that they can now be taken at will?
Nigerians must not get used to killings. Every life matters. We cannot continue to wake up to reports of innocent people being killed and gradually accept such incidents as part of our normal existence,” he said.
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The NCA chairman said the repeated violence should not cause Nigerians to lose their compassion for victims, noting that every death affected families, friends and wider communities.
While acknowledging the efforts of the Federal and Plateau State governments and security personnel, Hayab called for an urgent review of security arrangements in vulnerable communities.
He urged authorities to improve intelligence gathering and other preventive measures capable of identifying threats and stopping attacks before they occur.
Hayab said additional security deployments might offer temporary relief, but maintained that a lasting solution would require security agencies to detect threats early, respond to credible intelligence and prevent attackers from reaching exposed communities.
He also advocated stronger cooperation between security agencies and residents, describing local communities as vital partners in combating insecurity.
“Residents are often the first to notice unusual movements, suspicious activities and emerging threats in their communities. Such information could help security agencies prevent attacks if reliable channels are created for reporting intelligence and appropriate action is taken promptly,” he said.
The association further called on security agencies to conduct thorough investigations into the attacks and ensure that those found responsible were arrested and prosecuted according to the law.
The NCA expressed condolences to the victims’ families, affected communities and the Plateau State Government, while appealing for assistance for residents whose lives and livelihoods had been disrupted by the violence.
Hayab said the recurring attacks should reinforce the need for authorities to measure security not only by their response after incidents but also by their ability to anticipate threats, prevent attacks and protect vulnerable communities.