The Northern Christian Religious Leaders Assembly (NOCRELA) has condemned the continued killings, kidnappings and banditry in Plateau, Kwara, Kaduna, Benue and Taraba states, calling for urgent government intervention and relief for affected communities.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, February 5, 2026, NOCRELA expressed deep concern over what it described as a disturbing resurgence of violent attacks on innocent communities, noting that many of the incidents have disproportionately affected Christians and other vulnerable populations.
The assembly lamented the persistent loss of lives and widespread destruction of homes, places of worship, farmlands and means of livelihood, saying recent brutal killings, abductions and coordinated attacks have left families traumatised and communities displaced.
According to NOCRELA, the level of insecurity in the affected states is unacceptable in a country constitutionally bound to protect lives and property, warning that silence or delayed response by authorities only emboldens perpetrators and entrenches impunity.
Describing the attacks as “evil, barbaric and inhuman,” the group said the continued targeting of defenceless communities raises serious concerns about safety across the wider North.
NOCRELA called on the Federal Government to immediately deploy well-equipped security personnel, intelligence assets and operational support to Kwara, Kaduna, Benue, Plateau and Taraba states to halt further attacks and restore peace.
It also urged the governments of the affected states to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities by ensuring the protection of lives and property of all residents, regardless of religion, ethnicity or location.
The group further appealed to security agencies to urgently identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible for the attacks, including their sponsors and collaborators, to serve as a deterrent.
NOCRELA also called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) to provide immediate relief materials, medical assistance, shelter and psychosocial support to displaced persons and affected communities.
In addition, the assembly urged governments at all levels to engage community leaders, faith-based organisations, traditional rulers and civil society groups to address the root causes of insecurity and prevent future violence.
Signed by its Chairman, Archbishop JohnPraise Daniel, NOCRELA said it stands in solidarity with grieving families and affected Christian and Muslim communities, while reaffirming its commitment to peaceful coexistence, justice, accountability and the defence of human dignity.
“Nigeria must not continue on this dangerous path of normalising bloodshed, kidnapping and lawlessness. Enough is enough,” the statement said.