Northern Churches on High Alert Over Potential Christmas Bomb Threats

Amid the festive season, fear grips northern churches as concerns grow over possible bomb attacks during Christmas celebrations.

With just three days remaining until Christmas and New Year celebrations, many Christians residing in the northern region of the country have voiced concerns about potential terror attacks in states afflicted by violence and terrorism.

The situation had dampened the festive spirit for some northerners, prompting many families to rethink their plans for the season.

Remember that several bomb explosions resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including a child, in the Bassa community within Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State last Thursday.

The explosions were suspected to be landmines, as they detonated while children played on their way to the farm.

In early December, two separate bombing incidents occurred in the Dansadau district of Maru LGA in Zamfara State, resulting in multiple fatalities and numerous injuries.

Although the tragic events occurred on Friday, December 6, 2024, reports indicate that two days earlier an explosion destroyed a bridge at Tashar Sahabi and resulted in 12 fatalities.

It is believed that the bombs were planted by bandits who have been terrorizing unsuspecting travelers and residents.

Likewise, on July 31, 2024, at least 19 people lost their lives and another 20 suffered various injuries due to a bomb explosion in Kawuri village, located approximately 50 kilometers from Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.

Security operatives deployed to the scene reported that the bomb detonated around 8 PM on Wednesday. They further suggested that Boko Haram and other terrorist groups might be responsible for the attack.

The previous year, a Christmas Eve attack resulted in the deaths of 150 individuals in Bokkos communities and surrounding areas.

many residents were feeling anxious about how they would celebrate Christmas this year due to ongoing security concerns.

When one of our correspondents reached out, Reverend Polycarp Lubo, the state Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, was not immediately available for comment.

However, a Christian leader in the state, Michael Bitrus, expressed concern about the situation and hoped that the government would take measures to ensure residents’ safety.

Bitrus urged the government to ensure adequate security for them during Christmas.

In the meantime, the state police command guaranteed residents sufficient security throughout the Christmas festivities and encouraged them to conduct their legitimate activities without worry.

In Zamfara State, the Christian community voiced concerns about potential bandit attacks during their celebration.

Remember that last week, bandit leader Bello Turji made a series of threats after security agents arrested his close associate, Bako Wurgi.

Daniel Moses, a resident of Shinkafi town, which serves as the headquarters for Shinkafi Local Government Area in the state, mentioned that Turji posed a threat not only to Christians but also to others.

Remember that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps had assigned 550 personnel to worship centers in order to maintain peace and order in the state leading up to the Yuletide season.

Speaking to journalists at the command headquarters in Gusau, Zamfara State, NSCDC Commandant Sani Mustafa revealed that personnel have been deployed across all 14 local government areas of the state.

John Oyebanji, the pastor of the Church of Grace in Kaduna, stated that they will forgo their usual celebrations and festivities. Instead, there will be a simple service where members are encouraged to remain cautious and vigilant.

In the countryside, the situation is more unstable.

Communities in Southern Kaduna, including Kajuru, Kaura, and Zangon Kataf, have also experienced the impact of banditry and kidnapping.

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Some residents of Maiduguri in Borno State mentioned that economic hardship, rather than insecurity, would hinder their ability to celebrate Christmas as they wish.

In a conversation with one of our correspondents, resident Jonah Plankat mentioned that the celebration would be carried out in moderation.

“Well, besides the issue of insecurity, we all recognize Nigeria’s present circumstances, particularly the hardships. So for me, it’s nothing unexpected.”

“My family and I are keeping Christmas low-key. We go to church, share whatever we have with friends and relatives, enjoy a meal together, and rest,” he explained.

Despite ongoing security concerns in the region, Christians in Jigawa, Gombe, Bauchi, and Nasarawa states remain hopeful about celebrating Christmas peacefully.

Joseph Shinga, the Chairman of CAN in Gombe State, expressed that the season would be celebrated peacefully and encouraged Christians to behave harmoniously.

Shinga stated, “There’s no need for concern because the situation will stay as it is. As you’re aware, aside from herder-farmer conflicts, we don’t face many issues in Gombe; therefore, I trust that Christmas will pass by uneventfully.”

In an interview with our correspondent, Elijah Obi, a cleric from the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Lafia, voiced his concerns about the security situation in the country—particularly in the North—and urged citizens to remain more vigilant.

At the same time, residents of Internally Displaced Person camps in Kaduna, Borno, and Plateau states stressed that their main priority was returning home rather than celebrating Christmas.

Numerous displaced individuals, having spent months or even years in the camps because of ongoing violence and insecurity, expressed their distress over the harsh living conditions and uncertainties about their future.

Mrs. Sarah Buba, a resident at the Kaduna State IDP camp, expressed that their focus is not on celebrating Christmas. Instead, they are fighting for survival and primarily concerned with returning to their homes to rebuild their lives.

During our correspondent’s visit to the IDP camps in Maiduguri’s Wulari area, it was noted that most of the Christians residing there had not made any preparations for the upcoming festivities.

Mary Adamu, a mother of two residing in one of the camps, expressed her thoughts: “This celebration is for those who have money. My daily concern now is finding something to eat amidst this tough economy; all I can do is attend church and return home.”