A US‑based humanitarian organization, Equipping the Persecuted, has warned of possible attacks on Christmas Day in several communities of Nigeria’s Plateau State. Founder Judd Saul said the group has received privileged information indicating that terrorists and bandits are planning to target rural areas in the Riyom, Bokkos and Barkin Ladi local government areas. He noted that the militants have begun regrouping and could launch assaults similar to those carried out between 23 and 25 December 2023, which resulted in the massacre of more than 400 people across 17 villages.
Saul added that the terrorists are amassing forces along the borders of Plateau, Nasarawa and Benue states and intend to strike on Christmas Day. He delivered this warning during a round‑table meeting convened by the International Committee on Nigeria and the African Jewish Alliance in Washington, D.C. Emphasising the reliability of the intelligence, Saul urged the Nigerian government and international authorities to act swiftly to prevent another massacre.
According to Saul, he has already communicated his concerns to the Nigerian government through US lawmaker Riley Moore, who led a delegation to Nigeria to investigate allegations of Christian genocide. Moore is expected to file a report on the matter with the US government.
The warning follows a similar alert issued a week earlier by Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations for Barkin Ladi LGA. Rev. Dachomo reported that terrorists were raising funds to purchase weapons and called on local youths to defend their communities.
These alerts underscore the persistent security challenges in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where terrorist attacks and banditry have plagued communities. The government has faced criticism for its response, and the approaching Christmas holiday highlights the need for vigilance and cooperation between authorities to avert further violence.
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