Plateau Attacks: ECWA President Condemns Killings, Seeks Urgent Government Action

The President of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Rev. Dr. Job Baggat, has condemned the recent coordinated attacks on residents of Ratatis community (Dorowa Babuje) of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area and Nzharivo Miango in Bassa LGA of Plateau State, describing the incidents as a brutal assault on Christianity and humanity.

In a statement issued on Tuesday at the Church headquarters in Jos by the acting Public Relations Officer, PRO, Mr. Danjuma Auta, said Rev. Dr. Baggat expressed deep sorrow over the killings and destruction of property during the weekend attacks.

According to reports from the affected communities, gunmen stormed Ratatis village on Sunday night, killing 9 farmers and residents and injuring several others.

In a separate incident in Nzharivo Miango, one Abbas Musa was reportedly killed, alongside other coordinated attacks in parts of the country.

“We are profoundly saddened by the loss of precious lives in Dorowa Babuje and Nzharivo. These coordinated attacks are not just an assault on the individuals and families affected, they are a direct assault on the sanctity of humanity itself,” Baggat said.

He said the church stands in solidarity with the victims and their families, as well as those grappling with grief and fear in the affected communities.

The ECWA President called on the Federal Government and the Plateau State Government to intensify efforts to protect lives and property. He urged security agencies to thoroughly investigate the attacks and ensure that perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice.

While commending the concern shown by Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, Baggat appealed for a comprehensive review and strengthening of the state’s security architecture.

“Our communities cannot continue to live under the shadow of death and displacement,” he said, urging the Federal Government to adopt lasting strategies to address the persistent insecurity.

Rev. Dr. Baggat also advised residents to remain vigilant and avoid ideologies that seek to divide communities along ethnic or religious lines. He called on non-governmental organisations, religious bodies and well-meaning individuals to provide emergency assistance to displaced persons and families who lost their means of livelihood in the attacks.

He prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and comfort for bereaved families, urging Christians to remain steadfast in prayer and to promote peace and compassion in the face of adversity.

“As followers of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers. We must come together in prayer and action to dismantle ideologies of fear and become champions of love and compassion,” he added.