…ACIPA mourns five victims, warns against cycle of revenge in Barki-Ladi
By Gloria Ikibah
The Arewa Christians and Indigenous Pastors Association (ACIPA) has issued a strong condemnation following the killing of innocent travellers during a road blockade in Barki-Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State on 23rd February 2026. 
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Rev. Luke Shehu, the association described the incident as both barbaric and senseless, insisting that no grievance could justify the targeting of unarmed civilians.
The association stressed that violence, regardless of its motive, cannot be excused.
“The Arewa Christians and indigenous Pastors Association strongly condemns in it entirety, the barbaric road blockage and the senseless killing of innocent passers-by in Barki-Ladi Local Government of Plateau State, on 23rd February 2026.
“No grievance, no history of conflict, and no act of reprisal can ever justify the deliberate targeting and execution of unarmed civilians,” the statement read.
According to ACIPA, reports indicate the attack was carried out in retaliation for the earlier killing of indigenous Berom kinsmen by suspected Fulani militias. However, the association warned that revenge will only deepen existing divisions.
“The reported revenge attack following the killing of indigenous Berom kinsmen by Fulani militias has only deepened the wounds of an already fragile community. Retaliatory violence perpetuates a tragic cycle that destroys lives, erodes trust, and undermines the rule of law.”
The group identified the victims as Uwaisu Sunusi, Zakari Bello, Zubairu Abdul Karim and Shamsu Musa, all residents of Gangare in Jos, as well as Ibrahim from Ali Kazaure in Jos.
ACIPA also disclosed that its chairman personally reached out to the lone survivor.
“I am glad to have personally spoken on behalf of ACIPA with Abdul Aleem Ibrahim, the survivor who also resides at Gangare, Jos”, Rev’d Shehu stated.
ACIPA Chairman described the victims as family men and breadwinners, the association said their deaths were a painful loss not only to their loved ones but to the wider community.
“These were fathers, sons, brothers, and breadwinners as well as citizens who deserved protection, not execution because their lives mattered too.
“We extend our deepest condolences to their grieving families, the Hausa/Muslim community, and all who have been shaken by this tragedy. May the Almighty grant the deceased eternal rest, comfort their loved ones, and grant full recovery to the survivor”, he prayed.
ACIPA therefore called on security agencies to ensure justice is served without bias.
The association warned against further escalation, and urged residents and leaders alike to prioritise peace over vengeance.
“We call on security agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, ensure that the perpetrators are identified and prosecuted and restore confidence in lawful protection for all residents irrespective of ethnicity or faith.
“Plateau State and indeed Nigeria must not descend further into cycles of vengeance. Peace is not weakness. May peace prevail”, the statement further read.
