Plateau Violence: Ikezue Demands Investigation Into Killing of CAN Leader
By Chizoba Njaka
The reported killing of a Christian leader, Markus Musa, in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State has drawn condemnation from the Labour Party senatorial candidate for Anambra Central, Ven. Tochukwu Sagacious Ikezue, who has called for urgent action to protect residents from recurring violence.
Musa was reportedly ambushed at about 1:30 p.m. on Monday, September 14, 2026, while travelling to attend a meeting of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) between Rimi and Kaduno communities in Mangu. Security reports said he was travelling with his younger brother when the attack occurred, with the brother reportedly escaping unharmed.
Reacting to the incident, Ven. Ikezue expressed concern over the safety of Christian leaders and other residents in communities affected by repeated attacks, asking, “How many more Christians should die?”
Speaking to journalists in Awka, the LP candidate described Musa’s death as painful and urged the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to establish those responsible and ensure that they face justice.
Ven. Ikezue said the incident represented more than the loss of one individual, noting that another family had been thrown into mourning while the Christian community had lost one of its leaders.
He also expressed concern over reports of continuing violence, reprisal attacks and displacement in Mangu and neighbouring communities, stressing that the situation required immediate and coordinated security intervention.
“How many more pastors must be killed? How many more leaders must be ambushed on their way to worship or peace meetings?” he asked, while calling for stronger measures to safeguard citizens and prevent further attacks.
The LP candidate urged the Federal Government and Plateau State Government to launch a comprehensive investigation into Musa’s killing. He also called on the Police, Nigerian Army and Operation Safe Haven to strengthen surveillance and security patrols along the Rimi-Kaduno corridor and other vulnerable areas in Mangu.
Ven. Ikezue further appealed to CAN leadership at the state and national levels to speak out over attacks on its members and encouraged human rights organisations, Nigerians and the international community to maintain attention on violence affecting civilians.
He expressed condolences to Musa’s family, the church he served, the CAN Mangu chapter and the wider Christian community in Plateau State, stressing that every human life is sacred and that protecting citizens remains a fundamental responsibility of government.
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