The United States Department of State has condemned the recent killings in Jos, Plateau State, describing the attack as unacceptable, calling on the Nigerian government to strengthen security, particularly ahead of the Easter celebrations.
Principal Advisor for Global Religious Freedom, Mark Walker, in a statement shared Thursday by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs on Facebook, urged Nigerian authorities to act swiftly.
“We call on the Nigerian government to significantly ramp up security for Christians ahead of and during Easter. We recognize and appreciate the steps the Government of Nigeria has taken to improve security, however the targeted killing of Christians, especially on Christian holidays, is unacceptable. We urge the Nigerian leadership to engage, and to do so now,” he said.
The condemnation follows a fresh wave of violence in Jos and surrounding communities in Plateau State on Palm Sunday, where gunmen reportedly attacked predominantly Christian areas, killing several residents and leaving many others injured.
The attacks disrupted religious activities marking the beginning of the Holy Week and heightened fears among residents.
Local sources said the assailants stormed communities in the early hours, shooting sporadically and setting homes ablaze, forcing many to flee.
