The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on Christians in Northern Nigeria to take proactive steps to defend their communities against persistent deadly attacks.

This directive follows a brutal Palm Sunday raid on the Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, which left over 20 people dead.

The attack occurred around 8:00 pm, triggering widespread fear as the nation prepares for Easter celebrations on Monday, April 6, 2026.

Consequently, the Defence Headquarters has placed troops on high alert nationwide. Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, confirmed the heightened surveillance in Abuja.

“The military had intensified efforts to ensure citizens celebrate the Easter festivities without fear,” Onoja stated during a monthly security briefing.

However, Joseph Hayab, Chairman of CAN for the 19 northern states and the FCT, alleged that security agencies have been unable to stop the recurring carnage.

The Christian body believes that continued silence only emboldens those who target them.

“These killers are not spirits. These killers are human beings,” Hayab stated. “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.”

Strategy For Survival Amid Intelligence Failures

Hayab alleged that since 2009, attackers have systematically targeted Christians during major holidays to deny them the joy of celebration.

He refused to provide specific technical details of the community’s defense plans, alleging that disclosure would only help the enemy of the church to triumph.

“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,” Hayab stated.

Furthermore, he described the ongoing violence as a psychological war and asked members to remain resolute in their religious activities despite the proximity of danger.

Meanwhile, retired Brigadier General John Sura supported the call for stronger community-based security measures to augment federal efforts.

Sura, a former governorship aspirant in Plateau State, alleged that the police and military cannot be everywhere at once.

“Self-defence allows you to carry a Dane gun, and then you have a licence to carry that. If you go to the police, they can give you that,” Sura stated.

Augmenting Federal Security With Local Structures

The retired officer also encouraged residents to keep legally permitted tools for protection within their homes.

“You can also carry very sharp objects that you keep to defend yourself in case of any attacks,” he added.

Sura urged state governments to activate local frameworks like Operation Rainbow in Plateau State to provide an additional layer of protection.

Operation Rainbow is a community-based security initiative designed to provide timely intelligence to federal troops during crises.

Failure to share useful information with authorities has often led to intelligence loopholes, but some commentators cite instances where intelligence has been compromised with heavy repercussions from the bandits.

The military maintains that surveillance is at its peak. However, the Angwan Rukuba incident has left residents skeptical of federal protection.

“We are angry with the inability of government and security services to stop the killings,” Hayab stated, reflecting the mood of the northern clergy.

The Christian community is now expected to activate localized security protocols.

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