The United States Department of State has condemned the recent killings in Jos, Plateau State.
The Principal Advisor for Global Religious Freedom, Mark Walker, made the condemnation in a statement shared on Thursday by the Bureau of African Affairs of the State Department on Facebook, urging the Nigerian government to act swiftly.
Walker described the attack as unacceptable and called on the Nigerian government to strengthen security, particularly ahead of the Easter celebrations.
He said, “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.”
The condemnation follows a fresh wave of violence in Jos and nearby communities in Plateau State on Palm Sunday, when 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 attackers stormed the communities in the early hours of the day, firing sporadically and setting houses on fire, forcing many residents to flee their homes.
