In an impassioned Easter message to Nigerians, a prominent Christian advocacy group, Christian Conscience, has called for an end to the relentless violence and bloodshed in Plateau State, urging political leaders and warring factions to embrace the teachings of Jesus Christ as the foundation for peace and national unity.
The non-denominational group, known for promoting faith-based social and political advocacy, released a statement on Friday in Abuja, signed by its National Chairman, Dr. Yetunde Akinluyi, National Secretary, Rev. Dr. Kolawole Verrals, and National Publicity Secretary, Tunji Oguntuase. The group decried the ongoing “politically induced senseless killings” that have marred Plateau communities and left countless families grieving during what should be a season of hope and reflection.
“When we emulate Christ, there will be peace and love rather than the politically induced senseless killing of innocent citizens,” the statement reads.
Calling Easter a time of rebirth, forgiveness, and love, the group urged both political actors and citizens to adopt the virtues of Jesus Christ — humility, compassion, and peace — especially as the state grapples with recurring violence linked to ethno-religious tensions and political disputes.
The group didn’t hold back in its criticism of Nigeria’s political class, accusing many leaders of imposing themselves on the electorate without regard for the people’s will or divine direction.
“Rather than allow Christ to lead them, our political leaders are forcing themselves on the people, forgetting that only God anoints leaders,” Christian Conscience noted.
This, the group argues, has fueled a dangerous “do-or-die” political culture, especially evident in crisis-prone areas like Plateau State, where power struggles have historically exacerbated religious and ethnic divisions.
Beyond Plateau, the group expressed deep concern over the rising cases of banditry and farmer-herder clashes across the country, which continue to threaten food security and national stability. They called on the federal government to not only beef up security in volatile regions but also to identify and prosecute the sponsors of violent acts.
“Government should provide adequate security for farmers to encourage them to go back to the farm and avoid food shortage in the country,” the group warned.
The security concerns are particularly alarming in rural communities where displaced residents have abandoned their farmlands, aggravating the already fragile agricultural output and raising fears of looming hunger.
Citing 1 Corinthians 13, the Christian Conscience emphasized that faith, hope, and love must form the bedrock of Nigeria’s healing and progress.
“Nigeria will be great in no distant future if we allow the will of Christ to direct our steps,” the statement concluded.
In this season of Easter — marked by the resurrection of Christ and a promise of new life — the group urged religious and political leaders alike to promote peace, equity, and inclusion.
Plateau State has been a hotspot for ethno-religious crises for over two decades. Tensions often stem from disputes between Christian farming communities and predominantly Muslim pastoralists, compounded by political grievances and economic disenfranchisement. In recent months, attacks on villages, abductions, and killings have reignited calls for stronger governance and reconciliation efforts.
While various peace initiatives have been launched by the government and civil society groups, recurring violence points to deeper issues of trust, systemic neglect, and leadership failure — issues that Christian Conscience believes can only be resolved through sincere spiritual and political reformation.