Thousands of Christians, united under the Church Denominational Leaders Forum on the Plateau, took to the streets of Jos, the Plateau State capital, on Monday in a large-scale protest against the persistent killings in the region.
The protesters carried placards bearing messages such as “The Ground Cries Blood,” “Every Human Life Matters,” “We Deserve to Live,” and “No More Silence, Peace Now.”
According to reports, the peaceful protest commenced at Fwavvel Junction and concluded at the Plateau State Government House in Jos, where Governor Caleb Mutfwang received and addressed the demonstrators.
The protest followed a resurgence of violence that claimed over 100 lives in Bokkos and Bassa local government areas during the first two weeks of April 2025.
The protesters voiced profound anger and sorrow, condemning the federal government’s failure to bring the perpetrators to justice or halt the ongoing bloodshed.
Amos Mohzo, Chairman of the Denominational Leaders Forum, conveyed the group’s message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through Governor Caleb Mutfwang at the Plateau State Government House in Jos, describing the protest as a solemn act of mourning for the victims of violence.
He emphasized that the demonstration was both a tribute to those who had lost their lives and a firm demand for justice and an immediate end to the bloodshed in Plateau State and across Nigeria.
Mohzo strongly condemned the killings and openly expressed the community’s deep frustrations and grievances.
“We are tired of mass burials “Enough is Enough,” he said.
He strongly rejected claims that the attacks were communal clashes, insisting that what is unfolding is a coordinated onslaught against the people of Plateau.
“This is not a communal crisis; it is a brutal campaign against innocent lives in Plateau,” he stated firmly.
He also questioned the role of security agencies, especially the military, in the face of consistent attacks.
He expressed disbelief that killings continued to occur near military barracks without any intervention.
He further called on the federal government to show stronger political will and commitment to protect lives and property.
Responding to the protesters, Governor Mutfwang assured them that the government would not relent in its pursuit of justice.
“I did not become governor to observe burial ceremonies. I came for the glory of Plateau to be restored”.
He noted that the killings were not confined to Bokkos and Bassa alone, as similar incidents, albeit on a smaller scale, had occurred in other local government areas.
He assured the crowd that those arrested in connection with the violence would face justice.
While pledging to deliver their message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he stated that the president had committed to ensuring that the federal government takes decisive measures to put an end to the killings across the state.
The protest concluded with prayers and a declaration by the Church Denominational Leaders Forum to persist in advocating for peace and justice. The Forum vowed to keep the pressure on all relevant authorities until concrete actions are taken to safeguard lives and restore security in Plateau State.