Judd Saul, Executive Director of the United States-based humanitarian organisation Equipping the Persecuted, has issued an urgent security alert, warning several communities in Nigeria’s Plateau State to maintain extreme vigilance against a potential midnight attack by armed groups. The warning, disseminated via his verified X account, specifically highlighted Saturday, December 27th, as a critical period for heightened security concerns, particularly around the late hours.
Saul stated that his organisation received authentic and privileged intelligence indicating that these armed groups, often referred to as Fulani bandits, had finalised preparations to target communities. The areas identified include Kara-Bisichi, Rassa, and Mararaban Foron within the Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, alongside Latyi of Du District and Kuru in Jos South Local Government Area. These regions have historically been flashpoints for inter-communal violence.
The humanitarian director further detailed that the initial plan involved simultaneous assaults on these communities on Friday, December 26th. However, these operations were reportedly postponed, with the attackers now poised to strike on the rescheduled date of December 27th. Saul’s message urged residents of these specific locations and their surrounding vicinities to remain on high alert, emphasizing the potential for a large-scale coordinated attack.
This recent warning is not an isolated incident. Saul has a documented history of issuing similar alerts concerning planned violence in Plateau State. On December 14th, he previously cautioned against anticipated Christmas Day attacks targeting various communities, particularly in Riyom, Bokkos, and Barkin Ladi local government areas. These repeated warnings underscore the persistent insecurity plaguing the region.
Saul has frequently voiced frustration regarding the reception of his intelligence by Nigerian authorities and security agencies. He lamented that previous warnings, especially those pertaining to the Christmas season, were often dismissed, with officials reportedly branding him a liar or an alarmist intent on fostering chaos. This alleged dismissiveness raises questions about intelligence sharing and inter-agency cooperation in addressing the pervasive security challenges.
In a prior alert, Saul had indicated the gathering of forces along the Plateau-Nasarawa, Nasarawa-Benue, and Nasarawa-Kaduna borders, suggesting a coordinated movement of armed groups. He explicitly mentioned receiving reliable information about the weaponisation efforts for a potential Christmas Day massacre, and had implored both the Nigerian government and international bodies to intervene to prevent what he described as a mass killing of Christians in Nigeria. These calls for intervention highlight the severity of the perceived threats and the humanitarian stakes involved.
The ongoing violence in Plateau State is a complex issue, deeply rooted in long-standing farmer-herder clashes, land disputes, and ethno-religious tensions. The conflict has claimed thousands of lives over the years, displaced countless individuals, and severely disrupted agricultural activities, exacerbating humanitarian crises across the Middle Belt region of Nigeria. The repeated warnings from organisations like Equipping the Persecuted serve as a stark reminder of the fragile security situation.
Local residents, already living under the shadow of insecurity, often find themselves caught between conflicting narratives and the immediate threat of violence. The recurrent nature of these attacks, particularly during festive periods, points to a troubling pattern that continues to challenge peace efforts and stability in the region. The effectiveness of security responses and the protection of vulnerable communities remain paramount concerns for both domestic and international observers.
As December 27th approaches, or has just passed, the focus remains on the vigilance of the warned communities and the response from security forces. The continued pattern of violence in Plateau State necessitates a robust and proactive security strategy, alongside sustained efforts towards dialogue and conflict resolution, to ensure the safety and well-being of its diverse population. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, urging all stakeholders to prioritise human life and security above all else.
