The Presidency has dismissed an alert raised by a United States-based humanitarian organisation, Equipping The Persecuted, over an alleged plot to carry out mass killings in northern Nigerian communities on Christmas Day.
The group, earlier in the week, had claimed that terrorists were regrouping to launch attacks in areas including Plateau, Nasarawa, Kaduna, and Benue states on December 25.
Reacting to the development, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, questioned the motive behind the alarm, warning that it could create panic and heighten insecurity.
Ajayi told Saturday Punch, “We should be very careful how we digest and process some of these doubtful reports by external organisations who are setting a stage for internal crisis in our country.
“We should not be providing oxygen for reports that heighten a sense of insecurity in our country.”
Ajayi expressed concern over the timing and content of the report, particularly its focus on a major Christian holiday, calling for greater scrutiny of the organisation’s intentions.
“What is the motive and agenda of this organisation in raising this kind of alarm about a likely terror attack in the three states and on Christmas Day?” he queried.
Despite questioning the report, the Presidency assured Nigerians that security agencies are fully equipped and mobilised to forestall any planned attacks.
“Whatever the motive is, our security forces are capable of foiling any terror attack and keeping us safe,” Ajayi stated.
He urged Nigerians to remain calm and go about their celebrations without fear.
“Nigerians should not entertain any fear in any part of the country. The police and the military are working to ensure we have a peaceful Christmas and Yuletide season,” he added.
