1. While some faithful in Plateau State at day time held palms in honour of the Prince of Peace, the forces of darkness turned the peaceful villages of Angwan Rukuba, Gari Ya
Waye, and Atakyu into slaughterhouses. With profound sorrow the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria condemns the cold-blooded massacre of 27 persons on the evening of March 29, 2026. This was not just a security breach, but a sacrilege against the sanctity of life on one of the holiest days of the Christian calendar.
2. How much longer must we refer Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution to a government
that seems unperturbed by the cries of its people? The primary duty of the State is the
protection of life, yet the recurring carnage in Jos, too soon after Maiduguri incident,
suggests an abdication of this duty. The heartbreaking image of a mother cradling her wounded son in the aftermath of this atrocity captures the anguish of families and loved ones torn apart by sudden loss, injury, and trauma, and the profound sorrow now weighing upon the affected communities. This renews the agonising indictment of a nation that has allowed human life to become cheap, disposable, and unprotected.
3. Every human person within the territory of Nigeria carries an inviolable dignity
bestowed by God and protected by law. No life is insignificant, and no Nigerian must
ever be left unprotected. A nation diminishes itself each time a single innocent life is treated as though it were of no consequence. The true measure of our humanity lies in the value we place on every life and the resolve with which we defend it.
4. We therefore call on government at all levels and the security agencies to move beyond routine condemnations and undertake immediate, decisive, and measurable steps to restore public confidence and secure justice. In particular, we demand:
i. The immediate identification, arrest, and prosecution of the perpetrators and all those who sponsor these evil deeds.
ii. A thorough inquiry into any negligence, failure, or complicity on the part of public officials or security personnel.
iii. The urgent strengthening of intelligence gathering, and proactive security deployment, so that communities are no longer left exposed to avoidable attacks.
iv. Immediate security reinforcement, humanitarian relief, medical assistance, and adequate support for the affected families and communities.
Secretary General: Rev. Fr. Michael A. BANJOSilence, delay, and routine reactions can no longer suffice where human lives are at
stake. The blood of the innocent must not become the signature of our national life. We
urge all Nigerians to stand in solidarity with the victims and their families, to reject
every temptation to hatred and retaliation, and to recommit ourselves to building a
nation where every human life is cherished and protected. The sanctity of life must remain the foundation of our national conscience.
5. May God grant rest to the dead, healing to the wounded, comfort to the grieving, and peace to Nigeria, while raising leaders who will truly protect life and serve the common good. Amen.
