Barely three days to Christmas and New Year celebrations, many Christians living in the northern part of the country have expressed fear of terror attacks in states plagued by violence and terrorism.
Sunday PUNCH gathered that the situation had dampened the festive spirit of some northerners, forcing many families to reconsider their plans for the season.
Recall that multiple bomb explosions had killed three persons, including a child in the Bassa community of the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State last Thursday.
The explosions were believed to be landmines as they went off while children played on their way to the farm.
Also, in early December, bombs exploded in two separate locations in the Dansadau district of Maru LGA of Zamfara State, killing several people as well as leaving many injured.
While the tragic incidents happened on Friday, December 6, 2024, 12 people were reportedly killed two days earlier when an explosive blew off a bridge at Tashar Sahabi.
The bombs were believed to have been planted by bandits terrorising unsuspecting travellers and residents.
Similarly, on July 31, 2024, no fewer than 19 people were killed as 20 also sustained multiple degrees of injuries in a bomb explosion in Kawuri village, about 50 kilometers from the Borno State capital, Maiduguri.
According to the security operatives who were deployed to the scene of the incident, the bomb exploded around 8pm that Wednesday. The operatives further disclosed that Boko Haram and other terrorist groups might be responsible for the attack.
Many residents, who spoke to Sunday PUNCH, lamented the negative impact of the high level of insecurity on their ability to celebrate the holidays, particularly Christmas.
Plateau
Last year, 150 people were killed during a Christmas Eve attack in Bokkos communities and other areas.
Sunday PUNCH gathered that many residents had become anxious about how they would celebrate Christmas this year amid unresolved security issues.
The state Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Reverend Polycarp Lubo, was not readily available for comment when contacted by one of our correspondents.
But a Christian leader in the state, Michael Bitrus, expressed worry about the situation, hoping that the government would ensure the safety of residents.
Bitrus said, “We are calling on the government to provide adequate security for us during Christmas.”
Meanwhile, the state police command assured citizens of adequate security during the Christmas celebration, urging them to go about their legitimate businesses without fear.
Zamfara
Also, the Christian community in Zamfara State expressed fear of possible attacks by bandits during the celebration.
Recall that bandit leader, Bello Turji, had last week issued a series of threats following the arrest of his close associate, Bako Wurgi, by security agents.
A resident of Shinkafi town, the headquarters of Shinkafi Local Government Area of the state, Daniel Moses, said Turji could attack not only Christians but other people.
Recall that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps had deployed 550 personnel to worship centres to maintain peace and order in the state ahead of the Yuletide.
Addressing journalists at the command headquarters in Gusau, Zamfara State, the NSCDC Commandant, Sani Mustafa, disclosed that the personnel were deployed across the 14 local government areas in the state.
Low-key celebration expected in Kaduna
In Kaduna State, Sunday PUNCH observed that churches had minimal decorations for the festive season.
The pastor of the Church of Grace in Kaduna, John Oyebanji, said, “We are not going to have the usual fanfare and festivities; we will have a simple service, and our members are advised to be cautious and vigilant.”
In the rural areas, the situation is more precarious.
Communities in Southern Kaduna, such as Kajuru, Kaura, and Zangon Kataf, have also been affected by banditry and kidnapping.
Borno as well
However, some residents of Maiduguri, Borno State, said economic hardship, rather than insecurity, would prevent them from celebrating Christmas as they would have loved to.
Speaking with one of our correspondents, a resident, Jonah Plankat, noted that the celebration would be done with moderation.
“Well, aside from insecurity, we are all aware of the current situation of things in Nigeria, especially the hardship. So, for me, nothing is new.
“My family and I are not making a big deal of Christmas. Aside from going to church, whatever we have, we eat, manage with friends and families, and sleep,” he said.
Other northern states
Despite the prevailing security concerns in the region, Christians in Jigawa, Gombe, Bauchi, and Nasarawa states expressed optimism about celebrating Christmas in a peaceful atmosphere.
The CAN Chairman in Gombe State, Joseph Shinga, said the season would be celebrated in peace and urged Christians to conduct themselves without rancour.
Shinga said, “There is no need to worry as it will continue to remain so. As you know, we don’t have much problem in Gombe aside from herder-farmer clashes; so, I believe that Christmas will just come and pass.”
Speaking with our correspondent, a cleric with the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Lafia, Elijah Obi, expressed worry over the security situation in the country, especially in the North, and called for more vigilance among the citizens.
IDPs seek home return
Meanwhile, residents of Internally Displaced Person camps in Kaduna, Borno, and Plateau states emphasised that their top priority was returning home, not celebrating Christmas.
Many of the displaced individuals, who have spent months or even years in the camps due to ongoing violence and insecurity, lamented their dire living conditions and the uncertainty surrounding their future.
An inmate at the Kaduna State IDP camp, Mrs Sarah Buba, said, “We are not thinking about Christmas celebration. We are struggling to survive, and our main concern is how to get back to our homes and start our lives again.”
When our correspondent visited the IDP camps in the Wulari area of Maiduguri, it was observed that the majority of the Christians living in the camps were not making any plans towards the festivities.
A mother of two staying in one of the camps, Mary Adamu, said, “This celebration is for people who have money. My daily prayer now is what to eat. With this economy, the available option is to go to church and come back.”
Report by James Abraham, Isah Ojo, Ahmed Amshi, Chima Azubuike, Umar Sani, Collins Agwam, Maiharaji Altine, Godwin Isenyo, Salisu Kabuga and Olufemi Adediran