The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Plateau State has formally requested that the state government and security forces implement firm measures to curb violence and restore lasting peace. This appeal was issued during the association’s first leadership retreat, held at the Miango Rest Home in Jos from July 7 to 9, 2026. Rev. Dr. Dunka Gomwalk, the State Chairman, emphasized that meaningful progress and prosperity are impossible while the state remains plagued by recurring unrest.
The event, themed “Strategically Positioning CAN on the Plateau for the Future in the Face of Contemporary Challenges,” gathered church officials and regional coordinators to address the persistent threat of violence. The organization expressed deep concern over the shifting nature of these attacks and urged authorities to take more aggressive action. CAN recommended that local communities organize vigilante groups and adopt community policing tactics, while also calling on the state to provide necessary defensive support to vulnerable areas.
Furthermore, the association demanded the swift prosecution of those responsible for violence. They highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of regulations concerning motorcycle operators, scrap collectors, and street vendors. Regarding internally displaced persons, CAN strongly opposed the illegal seizure of lands and urged the government to facilitate the resettlement of victims. The organization reiterated its commitment to working with all stakeholders to foster harmony and good governance throughout the region.