The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), have condemned the killing of 22 travellers in Plateau State.
The victims were said to be returning to Ondo from Bauchi State, where they had gone to attend an Islamic function.
They were attacked and killed along Rukuba road in Jos North Local Government Area on Saturday.
About 14 others also sustained injuries in the attack.
Eight of the travellers are said to be missing.
Reacting to the incident on Sunday, the NSCIA, in a statement by Zubairu Usman-Ugwu, appealed to Muslims to be calm and not take the law into their own hands.
The council said it is monitoring investigations on the incident and will ensure that justice is served.
“In the meantime, while efforts are on to locate the eight missing Muslims, the council urges the security agencies to fish out all the perpetrators of the dastardly acts and ensure that adequate justice is done,” the statement reads.
On its part, the Plateau chapter of CAN described the killings as unacceptable.
Polycarp Lubo, the state CAN chairman, in a statement on Sunday, asked security agencies to fish out the perpetrators.
The Christian body commiserated with families of the victims of the attack, while calling on residents to shun reprisals.
“We wish to express deep pain over the recent attacks in Riyom, Jos North, Barakin Ladi and Bassa, leading to loss of lives and property,” Lubo said.
“The leadership of CAN totally condemns these attacks and pleads with security agents to ensure normalcy is restored.
“We mourn with the families of those who lost their loved ones, as well as those who have been displaced or suffered harm of any kind.
“We urge security agencies to swiftly arrest all those involved, to bring an end to the needless killings.”
