A wave of violence in Jos has drawn strong condemnation from Pastor Kingsley Okonofua, who described the situation as a clear indication of leadership failure and called for urgent intervention to prevent further bloodshed.
The latest attack, which occurred in one of the affected communities on the outskirts of Jos, left several residents dead and many others injured. Eyewitnesses recounted how armed assailants stormed the area in the early hours, shooting sporadically and setting parts of the community ablaze. Homes were destroyed, while families fled for safety amid the chaos.
Reacting to the incident, Pastor Okonofua expressed deep concern over the recurring nature of such attacks in Plateau State, noting that citizens have continued to live in fear due to what he termed a lack of proactive security measures. He criticized authorities for failing to decisively address the root causes of the violence, stressing that repeated incidents point to systemic lapses in governance and security coordination.
He further urged the government at all levels to move beyond routine condemnations and take concrete steps to protect lives and property. According to him, intelligence gathering must be strengthened, security personnel should be adequately deployed to vulnerable communities, and perpetrators must be swiftly brought to justice to serve as a deterrent to others.
The cleric also called on community leaders and residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing timely information that could help prevent future attacks. He emphasized the importance of unity among residents, warning that divisions often create opportunities for further violence.
Meanwhile, security forces have reportedly been deployed to the affected areas to restore calm and prevent reprisals. Efforts are ongoing to provide medical assistance to the injured, while displaced residents are seeking shelter in safer locations.
Pastor Okonofua concluded by urging both state and federal authorities to treat the situation as a matter of urgent national importance, warning that continued inaction could deepen insecurity and erode public trust in leadership.