The Plateau State Advisory Council on Interreligious Harmony has strongly condemned the recent attack on residents of Gari Ya Waye in the Angwan Rukuba community of Jos North Local Government Area, describing it as a “barbaric act of terrorism” with no connection to religion.
In a statement issued following the Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026 incident, the Council expressed shock and deep sadness over the violence, noting that the attack occurred during a sacred period in the Christian calendar. It emphasized that such actions contradict the teachings of both Christianity and Islam and should be rejected by all members of society.
The Council extended its condolences to families of victims who lost their lives and prayed for the recovery of those injured. It also commiserated with the government and people of Plateau State over what it described as a tragic and unacceptable incident.
According to the Council, the attack was not religiously motivated but rather the handiwork of “questionable elements” seeking to incite division between Christians and Muslims and destabilize Plateau State and other parts of Nigeria. It urged citizens to resist any attempts to sow discord along religious lines.
The body commended Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, for his swift intervention in preventing further escalation of violence, noting that the government’s response helped dispel insinuations of a religious conflict.
It also praised security agencies for their efforts so far and called on them to intensify operations to apprehend and prosecute those responsible. The Council stressed that the perpetrators and their sponsors must be treated as terrorists under the law.
Furthermore, the Council urged the Federal Government to classify individuals and groups responsible for such attacks as enemies of the state, warning that their actions undermine national sovereignty and human life.
The Council also cautioned youths and religious leaders against spreading inciting messages and hate speech on social media, calling on security agencies to monitor and curb such activities.
The statement was jointly signed by Co-Chairmen Rev. Prof. Pandang Yamsat and HRH Alhaji Muhammad Sambo-Haruna II, who reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to promoting peace, tolerance, and interreligious harmony across Plateau State.
