The Northern Christian Religious Leaders Assembly has condemned the renewed wave of killings, kidnappings and violent attacks in parts of the North, warning that the insecurity threatens national stability and human dignity.
The Chairman of NOCRELA, Archbishop JohnPraise Daniel, made the condemnation in a statement sent to Elanza News on Thursday night.
The religious body expressed deep concern over what it described as the persistent and senseless loss of innocent lives across Kwara, Kaduna, Benue, Plateau and Taraba states, alleging that many of the attacks have disproportionately affected Christian communities and other vulnerable groups.
Daniel lamented that the continued attacks had resulted in the destruction of homes, places of worship, farmlands and other sources of livelihood in the affected states.
He said, “Recent incidents of brutal killings, abductions and coordinated terrorist attacks have continued unabated, leaving families traumatised, communities displaced and survivors abandoned without access to basic necessities.
“This alarming level of insecurity is unacceptable in a nation governed by law and constitutionally committed to the protection of lives and property.”
The cleric described the attacks as evil, barbaric and inhuman, stressing that they amounted to a grave assault on the sanctity of human life.
He further raised concerns over the repeated targeting of defenceless communities, particularly Christian settlements, warning that silence or delayed government action could embolden perpetrators and worsen the culture of impunity.
NOCRELA called on the Federal Government to immediately deploy adequate and well-equipped security personnel, intelligence assets and operational support to the affected areas to halt further attacks and restore peace.
The group also urged the governments of Kwara, Kaduna, Benue, Plateau and Taraba states to fulfil their constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliation.
It further tasked security agencies to urgently identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible for the attacks, including their sponsors and collaborators, noting that decisive action would serve as a strong deterrent.
The assembly equally appealed to relevant emergency and humanitarian agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency and State Emergency Management Agencies, to provide immediate relief materials, medical care, shelter and psychosocial support for displaced persons and affected communities.
The group emphasised the need for governments at all levels to engage community leaders, faith-based organisations, traditional rulers and civil society groups to address the root causes of insecurity and prevent further violence.
NOCRELA said it stood in solidarity with grieving families, displaced persons and both Christian and Muslim communities affected by the attacks, while offering prayers for victims and strength for survivors.
It warned that Nigeria must not continue on what it described as a dangerous path of normalising bloodshed, kidnapping and lawlessness, declaring that urgent and decisive action was needed to restore peace and public confidence.
