The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and Abuja has strongly condemned the recent spate of killings in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, describing the attacks as “barbaric,” “senseless,” and a direct threat to national unity and peaceful coexistence.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Kaduna, the association’s Chairman, Reverend Yakubu Pam, expressed deep sorrow over the continued bloodshed, warning that unchecked violence could further destabilize the region and erode public trust in government institutions.
“We are deeply saddened and outraged by the senseless and barbaric attacks that have claimed the lives of innocent and peace-loving citizens,” Rev. Pam said. “These repeated acts of violence are not only a violation of human dignity and the sanctity of life, but they are also a direct threat to the peace and unity of our state and the nation at large.”
The association called on the Nigerian government and security agencies to act swiftly to arrest the perpetrators of the attack, while also demanding urgent interventions to secure vulnerable communities across Plateau and the entire North.
“We call on security agencies to act decisively and bring the perpetrators to justice,” the statement continued. “We also urge all levels of government to adopt proactive strategies that will prevent further bloodshed and protect lives and property, particularly in rural areas.”
The attack in Bassa LGA is the latest in a disturbing trend of violence that has plagued Plateau State over the years. Despite several military operations and government peace initiatives, hostilities between suspected herders and local farming communities have continued to escalate.
Reports indicate that dozens of residents were killed, and several others injured in the recent wave of attacks. Homes and farmlands were also razed, deepening the humanitarian crisis in the affected communities.
In response, Rev. Pam called for a united front involving religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society, and security operatives to combat what he termed a “cycle of terror.”
“The time has come for all stakeholders to unite in purpose and work together to end the cycle of violence that has plagued Plateau State for far too long,” Pam said.
He also emphasized the need for religious harmony, noting that peacebuilding must be rooted in mutual respect and dialogue.
The Northern CAN expressed solidarity with the grieving families and residents of Bassa LGA, offering prayers for peace, healing, and justice. Rev. Pam also reassured the victims that their cries for justice had not gone unheard.
“We stand in solidarity with the grieving families and the entire people of Bassa LGA. We pray for peace, healing, and justice. Plateau must not bleed again,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, CAN in the North is grappling with internal leadership disputes. The association has been enmeshed in a crisis surrounding the tenure of Rev. Yakubu Pam, whose term as Chairman allegedly expired over two years ago. The controversy intensified when a faction led by Rev. John Hayab conducted a parallel election, installing him as the new Chairman—a move Pam’s camp has labeled as a “religious coup” and “fraudulent.”
Despite the rift, Rev. Pam continues to act as the spokesperson of Northern CAN, especially in moments of national concern. The leadership dispute has raised questions about internal cohesion within the Christian body and its capacity to collectively respond to urgent national issues.
Security analysts and community leaders have called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to treat the ongoing violence in Plateau as a national emergency. They warn that the continuous killings could trigger reprisal attacks, further complicating the country’s fragile security architecture.
With over 4,000 deaths recorded in Plateau over the past decade due to ethno-religious conflicts, human rights advocates are urging the National Assembly to legislate tougher security responses, including the deployment of special forces and increased intelligence-gathering in hotspot regions.
As Nigeria battles multi-dimensional security challenges—from insurgency in the Northeast to banditry in the Northwest and communal clashes in the Middle Belt—the response from faith-based organizations like Northern CAN is a timely reminder that peace is a shared responsibility.
The cries from Bassa echo a larger national concern—one that demands urgent, unified, and sustained action.