“We Deserve to Live”: Church Leaders Lead Protest Over Plateau Killings

Thousands of Christians took to the streets of Jos, Plateau State, on Monday to protest the wave of deadly attacks across local communities. The Church Denominational Leaders Forum organised the march led by Plateau’s Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Chairman, Rev. Polycarp Lubo.

According to The Punch, the peaceful protest began at Fwavwei Junction and ended at the Plateau Government House, where Governor Caleb Mutfwang received the demonstrators. Many carried placards reading: “The Ground Cries Blood,” “We Deserve to Live,”  “Let Plateau Live,” and “No More Silence, Peace Now.”

The protest follows a renewed surge in violence. Over 100 people have been killed in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas since the start of April. Last Monday alone, at least 51 people were killed in an attack on Zike and Kimakpa villages in Bassa. Homes were burned, and families wiped out in what locals say was a midnight raid by armed militias.

Amos Mohzo, Chairman of the Denominational Leaders Forum, said the protest was a solemn march to honour the victims and to deliver a clear message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Mohzo called out the federal government for failing to protect lives and property. He demanded immediate intervention to stop the killings and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Lawmaker Daniel Asama, representing Bassa/Jos North, accused security agencies of inaction. During a recent interview, he said that both locals and security forces know the origin of the attacks, yet nothing has been done to stop them.

The locals know where these attackers are coming from. Security agencies also know. Yet, they have not been stopped, he said during an interview on Channels Television.

The violence is the latest in a long history of deadly clashes between farming communities and armed militias in Plateau State. In December 2023, over 150 people were killed in coordinated Christmas Day attacks across Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Mangu LGAs. Despite multiple tragedies, residents say they have yet to see serious efforts by authorities to stop the killings.

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