The Plateau State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged the state government and relevant authorities to take decisive measures to end insecurity and restore lasting peace across the state.
The call was made in a communiqué issued after the association’s maiden leadership retreat, held from July 7 to 9, 2026, at Miango Rest Home in Jos. Signed by the State Chairman, Rev. Dr. Dunka Gomwalk, the communiqué stressed that peace and the protection of lives and property are essential for the state’s growth and prosperity.
Held under the theme, “Strategically Positioning CAN on the Plateau for the Future in the Face of Contemporary Challenges,” the retreat brought together church leaders, women and youth representatives, coordinators from the 17 local government areas, and other stakeholders.
Plaeau CAN lamented that, once known for its peaceful atmosphere, has endured years of violence, killings, and unrest, describing the situation as unacceptable. The association expressed concern that despite government and security interventions, insecurity has continued to evolve, leaving many rural and urban communities vulnerable.
The body called on security agencies to strengthen efforts to protect residents and their property, while encouraging communities to embrace community policing and establish vigilante groups where necessary. It also urged the government to provide adequate security support to vulnerable communities to enable them defend themselves.
CAN further demanded the swift arrest and prosecution of those responsible for attacks across the state. It also called for stricter enforcement of existing regulations governing the activities of hawkers, scrap metal scavengers, motorcycle riders, and tricycle operators.
On the issue of internally displaced persons (IDPs), the association condemned attempts to unlawfully seize community lands. It urged the government to recover such lands, facilitate the rebuilding of affected communities, and ensure displaced residents are safely resettled.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace, CAN stated that the church would continue to speak with one voice on matters affecting Plateau State and work alongside the government and adherents of other faiths to promote peaceful coexistence and good governance.
BACKSTORY:
Plateau State has experienced recurring outbreaks of violent attacks and communal clashes for more than two decades, particularly in rural communities across local government areas such as Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Mangu and Bassa. The violence, often linked to disputes over land, grazing rights, and ethnic and religious tensions, has claimed thousands of lives, displaced many residents, and destroyed homes and farmlands.
In recent years, the state has witnessed repeated attacks by armed groups, with communities suffering killings, abductions and the destruction of property despite the deployment of security personnel. The persistent insecurity has prompted frequent appeals from religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations and residents for stronger government intervention and improved security measures.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has consistently condemned the attacks and urged authorities to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible. The association has also advocated better protection for vulnerable communities, support for internally displaced persons (IDPs), and the resettlement of people forced to flee their homes.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang has repeatedly pledged to work with security agencies and community leaders to restore lasting peace across Plateau. However, recurring attacks in parts of the state have continued to fuel concerns over the effectiveness of existing security measures, leading to renewed calls such as CAN’s latest appeal for decisive government action.
