The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has issued a security advisory warning of a planned terrorist attack targeting Yola and other parts of Adamawa State during the New Year night.
The advisory, contained in a statement signed on Tuesday by Joel Danjuma Manzo, Chairman of the Gongola Baptist Conference and CAN in Adamawa State, said the warning was based on “credible intelligence” from the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to the statement, suspected terrorists are planning attacks during the crossover celebrations, leading to churches and Christian organizations across the state being directed to suspend crossover night services in the interest of public safety.
“Information reaching us through reliable security channels indicates a serious security alert from the DSS regarding the planned attempt by terrorists to wreak havoc in Yola and other parts of the state during the crossover night,” the statement said.
Manzo urged church leaders to take the advisory extremely seriously and inform their congregations immediately.
He said, “It is wise to suspend a crossover service today and, by God's grace, hold many peaceful and joyful crossovers in the years to come. Our priority is to ensure that everyone enters the New Year alive and safely.”
In a related development, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has canceled the state's annual New Year crossover event which usually attracts large crowds and performances by Nigerian music stars in Yola.
Also read: Adamawa cancels night-time activities due to insecurity
The suspension of both religious and government-organized crossover events underlines the heightened security concerns in the state amid persistent threats posed by extremism and terrorism.
Cain concluded the statement with a prayer for peace and safety as residents prepare for sobering changes in the new year.
