Nigeria: weekend bombings in Jos

The Plateau State capital Jos was targeted by a series of bombings last weekend, in which one man died and 11 people were injured, including one woman. Sources have informed Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) that the bombings follow threats to disrupt Christmas celebrations in the area that have been circulating for around two weeks.

On Saturday night three bombs exploded at television viewing centres on the Bauchi Ring Road, claiming the life of one man and injuring 11 people, as crowds were watching a football match between Real Madrid and Barcelona. A fourth device failed to explode and was later defused by the bomb squad. So far no group has claimed responsibility.

Elsewhere, a woman was killed and two others wounded in Kaduna State when gunmen attacked Kukum Dutse village in Kagoro, Kaura Local Government Area (LGA) during the early hours of 11 December. The two surviving victims suffered gunshot wounds, and were transferred to Bingham University Teaching Hospital in Jos.

Commenting on the weekend’s events, the Chief Executive Officer of CSW Nigeria, the Reverend Yunusa Nmadu, said, “I believe that northern elders could contribute more towards ending these frequent attacks on innocent citizens. It is rather worrying that the recently concluded northern Nigeria peace summit produced no statement regarding the Boko Haram militia, which has unleashed violence in several states of northern Nigeria.”

CSW’s Advocacy Director Andrew Johnston said, “The security situation in both Plateau and Kaduna States are of great concern. Security services must remain vigilant regarding threats to disrupt Christmas celebrations in Jos, and take proactive steps to secure areas in both Plateau and Kaduna States where attacks are likely to occur. “

For further information or to arrange interviews please contact Kiri Kankhwende, Press Officer at Christian Solidarity Worldwide on +44 (0)20 8329 0045 / +44 (0) 78 2332 9663, email kiri@csw.org.uk or visit www.csw.org.uk.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is a Christian organisation working for religious freedom through advocacy and human rights, in the pursuit of justice.