SOJA Condemns Killing of Civilians in Jos, Demands Security Reforms

SOJA Condemns Killing of Civilians in Jos, Demands Security Reforms

By: Michael Mike

Speak Out for Justice Advocacy Ltd/Gte (SOJA) has strongly condemned the killing of innocent civilians in Angwan Rukuba area of Jos, Plateau State, describing the attack as a grave violation of human rights and a threat to national security.

In a statement issued on Monday, the organisation said the tragic incident reportedly occurred on March 29, 2026, Palm Sunday, when unidentified gunmen opened fire on a gathering of civilians, leaving several people dead and others injured.

SOJA said the attack, regardless of the identities or affiliations of the victims, represents a serious assault on human life and dignity, stressing that no society can thrive where citizens live under constant threats of violence.

“The perpetrators of such acts are not invisible forces—they are individuals who must be identified, apprehended, and brought to justice under the law,” the organisation stated.

The advocacy group emphasised that violence should never be viewed through religious, ethnic or social lenses, noting that the sanctity of human life transcends all divisions.

It added that the killings constitute violations of several international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, all of which guarantee the right to life and personal security.

The organisation also cited provisions of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, particularly Section 33(1), which guarantees the right to life, and Section 14(2)(b), which states that the security and welfare of citizens shall be the primary purpose of government.

According to SOJA, Nigeria has obligations under international human rights law to protect citizens from violence and to implement effective measures that ensure the realization of the right to life and security.

The group noted that repeated incidents of violent attacks in parts of the country point to gaps in preventive security mechanisms and response systems, urging authorities to urgently address the situation.

While acknowledging ongoing efforts by security agencies, SOJA called on the Federal Government, the Plateau State Government, and relevant security institutions to conduct a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation into the killings.

It also urged authorities to ensure the swift identification, arrest and prosecution of all those responsible for the attack and their collaborators.

The organisation further recommended strengthening intelligence gathering and community-based security systems, reviewing existing legal and operational security frameworks, and improving inter-agency coordination and rapid response mechanisms.

SOJA also called for adequate support and relief for victims and affected families.

“Nigeria must not become a society where the right to life is routinely undermined by acts of violence,” the statement said. “Every loss of life is a blow to our shared humanity and national stability.”

The group stressed that decisive action was necessary to restore public confidence, strengthen the country’s security architecture and uphold the rule of law.

SOJA Condemns Killing of Civilians in Jos, Demands Security Reforms