As Christmas Day approaches, with only a few days left, the excitement of another bustling Yuletide celebration has been overwhelmed by a somber cloud of fear of bombing strikes among Christian communities in northern Nigeria. The joyous festive mood usually associated with the season has been replaced with apprehension, as the memories of past years’ Christmas tragedies when violence shattered the sanctity of the holiday season, continue to haunt these communities. In previous years, Christmas celebrations in northern regions like Borno, Kaduna, Plateau, and Adamawa have been marred by targeted bombing attacks, resulting in hundreds of fatalities and numerous injuries.
In 2022, for example, a horrific attack in Borno on Christmas Eve killed 37 people during a midnight church service, and another explosion in southern Kaduna injured others on Christmas morning. A similar tragedy occurred in 2023, when a twin explosion at a church in Plateau State killed 42 worshipers, and scattered attacks in Adamawa left entire villages on edge. Between December 23 and 25, 2023, gunmen carried out a massive assault on over 160 villages in the Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Magu authority regions of Plateau State, killing over 335 people, including at least 200 members of Christian communities.
Families are considering having quiet celebrations.
These attacks, which have been ascribed to criminal networks and extremist organisations, have severely traumatised Christian communities. According to the Nigeria Security Tracker, over 120 worshippers were killed in bombs over the last two Christmas seasons, with Kaduna alone responsible for almost 40% of the deaths. These intentional assaults on houses of worship have turned a season of happiness and togetherness into one of grief and prudence, fostering an atmosphere of unease and hopelessness. Many Christians are contemplating completely skipping church services this Christmas, especially in high-risk regions.
Due to concerns about their safety, families are considering having quiet celebrations at home rather than in public places. Many locals have chosen to spend Christmas at home because of the distressing recollections of previous festivities that were tainted by loss and violence. This sentiment echoes across the region, where a climate of fear and uncertainty has taken the place of the customary festive hustle and bustle. Church leaders are making efforts to comfort their congregations by emphasising the value of faith over fear, but the promise of increased security measures, such as police patrols and community vigilance, has done little to ease their anxieties.
Fears that grips the communities show ongoing challenges.
For many people, who see Christmas as a time for joy and social worship, the prospect of low-key celebrations is a painful compromise. However, loved ones’ protection comes first due to the looming possibility of violence. A citizen of Jos, where churches had previously been targeted, stated, “We want to celebrate, but not at the cost of our lives.” The fear that grips northern Christian communities this Christmas is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges they face in their daily lives.
While the season is supposed to be a time of joy, love, and peace, the fear of violence has stolen much of its essence. Despite the circulating fear arising from the dread and agonising recollections of previous Christmas tragedies, many Christians in northern Nigeria refuse to allow despair to eclipse their faith. Their tenacity is not just a reflection of their ability to survive, but a powerful monument to their enduring spirit and unshakable faith in the prospect of peace. Several churches are still planning their Christmas services, taking additional precautions while unwaveringly proclaiming their faith.
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With heavy hearts, families light their lights and sing carols in the comfort of their own homes, praying that this year’s Christmas will be free of tragedy. These communities’ resilience continues to be their greatest strength as they cling to hope for a safer and better future. They hope not only for a peaceful holiday but also for a period when markets will be bustling, churches will be able to reopen without fear, and children will be able to play freely in the streets. It is a hope based on trust, fortitude, and the conviction that a better and safer future is achievable despite hardship.