A coalition of human rights, faith-based, and civil society organizations has raised alarm over the risk of attacks during the 2025 Christmas season in Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt.
In a joint statement, the groups recalled past Christmas-related atrocities, including:
- 2010: Twin bombings in Jos, Plateau State.
- 2011: Attack on St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State.
- 2016: Goska community, Southern Kaduna, leaving 20 dead.
- 2023: Coordinated attacks in Plateau State killed over 212 people and displaced 10,000.
- 2024: Anwase, Benue State attacks killed 46 worshippers, displacing 6,800 people.
The coalition cited the recent kidnapping of 20 worshippers from an ECWA church in Kogi State as evidence that faith-based attacks remain a serious threat.
They called on the government to:
- Deploy security to protect communities, churches, and travelers.
- Support internally displaced persons (IDPs) with shelter, food, and safety.
- Ensure safe, voluntary, and dignified return or resettlement of displaced communities.
- Collaborate with local vigilante groups to improve intelligence and community policing.
- Domesticate the African Union Kampala Convention for IDP protection.
The statement was signed by groups including House of Justice, Global Rights, Atrocities Watch Africa, The Kukah Centre, and Middle Belt Times, among others.
Nigeria has one of Africa’s largest IDP populations, with insurgency, banditry, and communal violence driving seasonal spikes in attacks, particularly around religious holidays.