By Our Correspondent
National News — The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged Christians in northern Nigeria to take proactive measures to defend themselves amid renewed attacks, particularly as the Easter celebration approaches.
The call followed a deadly Palm Sunday attack on Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, where gunmen reportedly killed more than 20 residents and injured several others on Sunday night.
The Chairman of CAN in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, Joseph Hayab, made the remarks while speaking to journalists.
According to him, Christians must organise themselves and resist intimidation from attackers who frequently target communities during major religious festivities such as Easter and Christmas.
Hayab said the persistent violence since 2009 has repeatedly disrupted celebrations and instilled fear among believers.
He stressed that attackers were ordinary individuals who could be confronted if communities were properly organised.
While declining to disclose specific strategies, he insisted the Christian community would not be forced to abandon worship or religious gatherings due to threats.
The statement comes as the Defence Headquarters placed troops nationwide on alert ahead of Easter.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, assured Nigerians that security agencies had heightened vigilance to protect lives and property during the festive period.
Security experts, however, expressed differing views on how communities should respond to the rising attacks.
Retired Brigadier General John Sura supported lawful self-defence, arguing that citizens could obtain licences to carry Dane guns or other legal protective tools.
He also urged state governments to strengthen community security networks and vigilance groups to complement military and police efforts.
In contrast, retired Lieutenant Colonel Abdulwahab Ademola warned that arming civilians could worsen insecurity.
Instead, he recommended community-based security supported by early warning systems and simple technologies to detect and report threats quickly.
Meanwhile, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) called on the Federal Government to thoroughly investigate the resurgence of violence.
PFN National Secretary David Bakare described the latest attacks as alarming, particularly because they occurred within Jos city rather than remote areas.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has since ordered a massive deployment of security personnel to Plateau State to restore calm and track down those responsible for the killings.
