Plateau pastor raises alarm over alleged terrorist plan to attack christians at christmas

A Plateau State-based pastor has warned of an alleged plan by terrorists to launch fresh attacks on Christian communities across the state during the 2026 Christmas season.

The cleric, who identified himself as Pastor Damian, raised the alarm in a video shared on social media on Tuesday, claiming that extremist groups were preparing to unleash violence on vulnerable communities.

Damian alleged that the groups had held secret meetings and raised substantial funds to purchase weapons and provide logistics for their fighters ahead of the planned attacks.

He likened the alleged threat to the December 2023 Christmas attacks in Plateau State, during which more than 1,000 Christians were reportedly killed in several communities.

Recalling previous warnings in Barkin Ladi, the pastor said residents had received threats before the 2023 attacks but their concerns failed to prevent the violence.

“We have heard this before. In Barkin Ladi, the rumour went round: ‘You will run with your rice and meat in your pots.’ We went to the Sector Commander and told him. And it came to pass. Just like December 2023.

“And this year is no exception. We are hearing the same rumour again – that we will not live to enjoy our Christmas,” he said.

The cleric further alleged that the attackers intended to take over ancestral lands, displace indigenous communities and establish an Islamic caliphate in the state.

He listed Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Riyom and Bokkos among the areas where Christians had allegedly suffered attacks in the past two months.

Damian also accused security agencies and the government of failing to adequately protect residents, claiming that women, children, elderly people and youths had lost their lives in repeated attacks.

He cited an incident involving young people engaged in mining activities, alleging that gunmen killed some of them while they were sitting outside their homes after work.

“This is not just attacks. This is land grabbing,” he said, alleging that communities including Changal, Aloghom and Gashish had been taken over.

The pastor also claimed that new buildings had emerged on lands belonging to indigenous residents in parts of Barkin Ladi without the owners’ consent.

He questioned why Nigeria, which contributes to peacekeeping efforts in other countries, had struggled to protect communities facing persistent violence at home.

Calling for urgent intervention, Damian urged Nigerians to pray for Plateau State and speak out against the alleged persecution of Christians.

“Pray for Plateau. Speak for Plateau. The persecution of Christians in Plateau must end,” he added.