The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the killing of innocent residents in Angwan Rukuba, Gari Ya Waye area of Jos North, Plateau State, describing the Palm Sunday attack as a national tragedy and warning that Nigeria “cannot keep bleeding like this.”

Gunmen had reportedly stormed the community on Sunday, March 29, a day Christians across the world commemorate the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, killing several residents and leaving many others injured.

Reacting in a statement, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the attack, which occurred on a day meant for peace and reflection, instead turned into a moment of bloodshed for families in the area. He said: “Palm Sunday is meant to be a day of peace, of hope, of reflection.

Instead, it became a day of bloodshed. “Innocent Nigerians; men, women and children, were hunted and killed in cold blood. Let us be clear: this is not just tragic; it is unacceptable.”

He lamented that armed men reportedly disguised in uniforms resembling those of security forces invaded the civilian community and opened fire on defenceless residents, leaving families shattered and the community traumatised.

“Armed men, reportedly in significant numbers, moved into a civilian community, disguised in uniforms resembling those of our security forces, and opened fire on defenceless people. Lives were cut short in minutes. Families have been shattered. A community has been traumatised.”

The CAN president questioned the persistent insecurity in parts of the country and demanded urgent action from the authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“We mourn. We grieve. But we must also speak the truth. How did we get here? “How is it that people can no longer feel safe in their own homes? How is it that, even on a sacred day, communities are left exposed to such terror?”