The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) has condemned the killing of 27 persons in Plateau State on Palm Sunday, warning that the persistent wave of violence across the country reflects a dangerous failure to safeguard human life.
In a statement released on signed by its Secretary General, Rev. Fr. Michael A. Banjo, and National Director of Social Communications, Rev. Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh,on Wednesday, the Secretariat described the March 29 attack on communities in Angwan Rukuba, Gari Ya Waye, and Atakyu as both a “cold-blooded massacre” and a desecration of a sacred day in the Christian calendar.
According to the statement, the attacks turned otherwise peaceful communities into scenes of horror at a time when Christians were commemorating Palm Sunday, a day symbolising peace.
The Secretariat expressed concern that repeated incidents of violence in Plateau State and other parts of the country, including recent unrest in Maiduguri, point to what it termed a growing inability of authorities to fulfil their constitutional obligation to protect citizens.
It referenced Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution, which places the security and welfare of the people as the primary responsibility of government, noting that the continued killings raise serious questions about the discharge of this duty.
“The recurring carnage suggests an abdication of responsibility,” the statement noted, highlighting the trauma suffered by victims and their families, as well as the deepening fear among affected communities.
Emphasising the sanctity and dignity of human life, the Catholic Secretariat warned that no society can thrive where lives are treated as expendable, urging leaders at all levels to demonstrate stronger commitment to protecting citizens.
It called for immediate and concrete steps, including the identification and prosecution of those responsible for the attack and their sponsors, as well as a thorough investigation into any lapses or complicity by security operatives.
The group also advocated improved intelligence gathering, proactive security deployment, and swift intervention to support victims through humanitarian aid and medical assistance.
While urging Nigerians to remain united and resist the urge for retaliation, the Secretariat stressed that silence and routine condemnations can no longer suffice in the face of continued bloodshed.
It further called for national reflection and renewed resolve to uphold the sanctity of life, warning that unchecked violence risks eroding the country’s moral and social fabric.
The statement concluded with prayers for the victims, healing for the injured, and comfort for bereaved families, while urging leaders to rise to the responsibility of protecting lives and promoting the common good.
