Christmas: Fear spreads among northern churches over fresh bomb attacks

 

Barely three days to Christmas and New Year celebrations, many Christians living in the northern part of the country have expressed fear of terror attacks in states plagued by violence and terrorism.

It was gathered that the situation had dampened the festive spirit of some northerners, forcing many families to reconsider their plans for the season.

 Recall that multiple bomb explosions had killed three persons, including a child in the Bassa community of the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State last Thursday.

The explosions were believed to be landmines as they went off while children played on their way to the farm.

Also, in early December, bombs exploded in two separate locations in the Dansadau district of Maru LGA of Zamfara State, killing several people as well as leaving many injured.

While the tragic incidents happened on Friday, December 6, 2024, 12 people were reportedly killed two days earlier when an explosive blew off a bridge at Tashar Sahabi.

The bombs were believed to have been planted by bandits terrorising unsuspecting travellers and residents.

Similarly, on July 31, 2024, no fewer than 19 people were killed as 20 also sustained multiple degrees of injuries in a bomb explosion in Kawuri village, about 50 kilometers from the Borno State capital, Maiduguri.

According to the security operatives who were deployed to the scene of the incident, the bomb exploded around 8pm that Wednesday. The operatives further disclosed that Boko Haram and other terrorist groups might be responsible for the attack.

Many residents, who spoke to correspondents, lamented the negative impact of the high level of insecurity on their ability to celebrate the holidays, particularly Christmas.

Plateau

Last year, 150 people were killed during a Christmas Eve attack in Bokkos communities and other areas.

Sunday PUNCH gathered that many residents had become anxious about how they would celebrate Christmas this year amid unresolved security issues.

The state Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Reverend Polycarp Lubo, was not readily available for comment when contacted by one of our correspondents.

But a Christian leader in the state, Michael Bitrus, expressed worry about the situation, hoping that the government would ensure the safety of residents.

Bitrus said, “We are calling on the government to provide adequate security for us during Christmas.”

Meanwhile, the state police command assured citizens of adequate security during the Christmas celebration, urging them to go about their legitimate businesses without fear.

Zamfara

Also, the Christian community in Zamfara State expressed fear of possible attacks by bandits during the celebration.

Recall that bandit leader, Bello Turji, had last week issued a series of threats following the arrest of his close associate, Bako Wurgi, by security agents.

A resident of Shinkafi town, the headquarters of Shinkafi Local Government Area of the state, Daniel Moses, said Turji could attack not only Christians but other people.

Recall that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps had deployed 550 personnel to worship centres to maintain peace and order in the state ahead of the Yuletide.

Addressing journalists at the command headquarters in Gusau, Zamfara State, the NSCDC Commandant, Sani Mustafa, disclosed that the personnel were deployed across the 14 local government areas in the state.

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Govt must engage best brains to drive development – Pastor Kumuyi

 

Pastor W. F. Kumuyi

The General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi, has called on Nigerian government leaders to prioritise selecting the best minds to drive the country’s development.

Speaking on Thursday at a press conference ahead of the church’s National December Retreat and Global Crusade with Kumuyi, he emphasised the need for leaders to listen to the voices of all segments of society.

“We are all aware of the current situation in the country, and every segment of society has expressed their expectations. The youth have made their expectations known, as have women and other groups, even if their methods may not always be appreciated by those in leadership. However, it is crucial to extract the underlying messages from their actions and voices,” Kumuyi said.

He urged leaders at all levels—local, state, and federal—to fulfill their responsibility of listening to the populace."

Since they were chosen to bring progress to the nation, the people have the right to demand accountability and responsiveness. Leaders must develop thorough and actionable plans to address these issues and move the country forward,” he stated.

Kumuyi also emphasised the importance of utilising the country’s pool of talent and expertise, including individuals outside formal governance structures. “

By tapping into these resources, we can ensure that the nation improves in all aspects of governance and development,” he added.

The retreat, scheduled to hold at the Deeper Life International Conference Centre, KM 42, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, from December 20 to 25, 2024, aims to foster spiritual renewal and national transformation.

Speaking about the event, Pastor Kumuyi said, “This is a general retreat programme where we reflect on the past, present, and future. We look forward to transformation in our lives, families, and nation. We also envision a global impact, reaching many nations and sharing in the blessings of what God is doing.”

He highlighted the success of previous editions of the GCK, noting its remarkable brebreakthroughs

“The GCK over the years has experienced tremendous breakthroughs by God’s grace. God has promised us all things under heaven, and we trust that He will prove Himself mightily. He has already done marvelous things, and as we gather for this year’s climax, we anticipate miracles, deliverance, and transformed lives. Every miracle we need will be available, and we believe things will turn around for the better in our nation,” he said.

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How I became bishop of C&S church — Shina Peters

 

Sir Shina Peters

Legendary Afro-Juju musician Sir Shina Peters revealed on Friday that his ordination as a bishop was in fulfilment of a divine calling.

In 2021, Shina Peters was ordained as a bishop at the Cherubim and Seraphim Church of God in the Iju area of Lagos State.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos, the musician explained that the church leadership received divine instruction regarding his ordination.

He shared that the instruction, delivered divinely to the church leaders, came years before he accepted the ordination.

He said, “The Almighty God told me that I should be made the first bishop of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church of God. He told the leaders of the church.

“God said this because I am the only musician who has consistently used hymns in my music and performances, and through this, I have won many souls for Christ.

“You know my music is often based on hymns.

“And I tried to avoid the ordination for a while until God finally got me arrested.”

Reflecting on his career, Peters expressed satisfaction with his progress and thanked God for guiding him through the years.

“I am fulfilled; I am content. The only thing I now ask my creator for is to keep enlightening me with His word and to grant me the grace to draw closer to Him.

“There is absolutely nothing I want to ask for now except to continue thanking God for my achievements by His grace.

“When I think back to those I started this journey with, who are no longer here, I remain grateful to my creator.

“As for what my fans can expect, I will only say they should expect something unusual very soon,” he said.

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Fire guts CAC Church in Ibadan

 

A devastating fire engulfed a parish of the Christ Apostolic Church in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday night, reportedly trapping several worshippers inside.

The incident occurred at about 9:30 pm at Wisdom Estate, Road 1G, Olohunda Road, in the Lagelu Local Government Area, sources confirmed on Saturday morning.

Eyewitness accounts revealed that the church was hosting a Friday vigil when the fire broke out.

One source recounted, “The incident happened in the night around 9:30pm. I think they were having Friday vigil. Some worshippers had already slept off, to have some rest before they start vigil when the incident happened.”

Another source described the harrowing scene, saying “There was an aged woman, very old to the extent that she could not work properly. She was still inside the church when the fire was raging seriously.”

A church member, who requested anonymity, said, “People were still inside the church during the fire . I will get back to you later, please.”

As of the time of reporting, the exact cause of the fire remains unclear.

Confirming the incident, the General Manager of Oyo State Fire Services, Akinyemi Akinyinka, said, “Our men were there based on information from one Kunle Junaid.”

He promised to provide further updates.

More details to follow…

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Pastor Adeboye urges focus, fervent prayers at Holy Ghost Congress 2024

Pastor Enoch Adeboye 

The General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has emphasised the importance of focus and fervent prayers.

Pastor Adeboye said this at the 27th Holy Ghost Congress of the RCCG, themed ”Onward Christian Soldiers”, which commenced on Monday night at the Redemption Camp with an impressive turnout of worshippers.

In his welcome address, Pastor Adeboye said, “Pay attention to every message. Pray like never before. The Lord has promised a Congress that will propel us forward spiritually, physically, emotionally, and materially. Are you ready to play your part?.”

Pastor Adeboye reflected on the challenges of 2024, expressing gratitude for God’s preservation and urging worshippers to embrace their roles as soldiers in Christ’s army.

“This Congress is different, as reflected in the theme, Onward Christian Soldiers. It is both a call and a charge—to those already in the Lord’s army and those ready to join. Are you prepared to march forward with Him leading the way?” he asked.

The opening service featured vibrant praise and worship sessions led by the RCCG All Stars and the church’s over 2,000-member mass choir. These extended moments of gratitude and worship set the tone for the Congress.

The General Overseer's message, “Praise as a Weapon of Warfare,” underscored the power of gratitude in achieving spiritual victories.

“Praise is a weapon of warfare. When you praise God for what He has done, He will do more. Without gratitude, future battles may not see divine intervention. Life is warfare—the winner takes it all, while the loser loses it all,” he said.

He assured worshippers that consistent praise lays a foundation for lasting victories.

“If you praise God continually, He will arise for you. Satan, who has defeated many mighty men and women over centuries, will flee when he sees God backing you. Tonight, as we praise, the foundation for your victory in life is being laid,” he added.

The Holy Ghost Congress, which began in 1998 with the historic Lekki 98 gathering, has since evolved into a major annual event, drawing worshippers from across the globe.

“This year’s Congress promises to build on its legacy, offering participants a unique opportunity to renew their faith, hear God’s voice, and strengthen their spiritual journey”, Pastor Adeboye said.

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Succour as RCCG builds road, culvert for Egbe community

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), New Jerusalem Zonal Headquarters, Egbe Lagos has brought relief to residents of the area with the construction of the main culvert linking many communities in the area.

The culvert collapsed many years ago, thereby making life very difficult for the people as well as adversely affected their economic activities. The Guardian gathered that the culvert had since been commissioned by the Church’s former Regional Pastor, Olusegun Osunsan.

The church, in addition, also hired the service of a local road contractor to grade the main street connecting other inner ones in the area. The Pastor in Charge of the Zone, Pastor Ola Olaniyi told The Guardian that the project, which cost the church about N2.7 million, was part of the church’s social responsibility to its host community and other surrounding communities linked by the culvert and the main street, Modupeola.

The Pastor disclosed that the money for the projects was sourced from voluntary donations by members of the Church and personal sacrifice. Also determined to ensure a better life for the faithful by giving them opportunities to access essential food commodities, the church had established the New Jerusalem Food Market, where church members and their dependents could buy food items at half of the prices of such items at the open or general market.

The church had also been reported to often offer free financial support to some poor individuals and families to start businesses as part of its empowerment programme, just as it had assisted some members seeking to travel abroad in search of greener pastures.

According to Pastor Olaniyi, evangelism, which is the gospel of Jesus Christ and welfarism are interwoven and inseparable as clearly demonstrated by Christ Jesus himself when in the Scripture he provided for the need of the people by feeding the multitude with fish and bread.

Meanwhile the Chairman of the Community Development Association in the area, Mr Ajibesin commended the Church, especially the Pastor for coming to the aid of the community “at a time when it appears the hand of government is full and the people are endlessly waiting on government.” According to Ajibesin, this is a great example of partnership between the Church and the people.

“This is a gospel of welfarism and infrastructure where the pulpit ministers to both the spiritual and physical needs of the people,” he said.

Guardian

RCCG donates food items, clothing to 2,000 vulnerable Abuja residents

 

Cross section of beneficiaries 

No fewer than 2,000 vulnerable Abuja residents on Sunday received food items, shoes and clothing from the Everlasting Arms Parish, Redeemed Christian Church of God in Garki.

The annual alms programme known as ”Tabitha Tent”, which began in 2007 is designed to support the poor and vulnerable with food items, clothes, and shoes among other humanitarian materials.

Some of the beneficiaries in an interview with newsmen, expressed their satisfaction and appreciation to the donors and organisers of the programme.

They called on the government to initiate policies and programmes such as Tabitha Tent to alleviate the suffering of the common man.

A beneficiary, Mr Gonet Jato, said that he received rice, beans and some other materials to support him and his family at the Yuletide.

“We thank Redeemed Church for what they have done for us, they have done so well, we appreciate them and may God bless them.

“To our President, the poor are suffering. Please look at what is happening in the country and do something to help the suffering man.

“It is not easy for us the poor, look at the crowd here, if not for Redeemed, what will be our hope? What we have received can take us for one to two weeks.

“Government should please look out for us as citizens of this country,” he said.

Another beneficiary, Ms Happiness Jacob, said: “I am very happy and grateful. I pray for those who gave all these gifts. May God open more ways for them so that they can keep on helping us.

“I got clothes, biscuits and rice. I want the government to come to our aid, especially during this Christmas season.

“People are suffering, going about looking for their daily bread to eat yet no food, we are suffering, many people are dying because of hunger,” he said.

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Anglican church resorts to prayer over missing archbishop, driver

 

The sudden disappearance of the retired Archbishop of the Niger Province and Bishop of Nnewi, Most Rev Godwin Okpala, has continued to generate tension and anxiety among the Anglican faithful in Nnewi, Anambra State and the entire state.

Okpala and his driver were said to have gone missing since Friday morning after they went on a trip to the Umuchu community in Aguata Local Government Area of the state, but failed to arrive at their destination.

It was gathered that despite efforts by the church to establish contact with them, no communication has been received and the whereabouts of the cleric, his driver and their vehicle have remained unknown.

A prayer request issued by the Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Ndubuisi Obi, on Saturday, called for intercessory prayers for the Archbishop’s safe return.

Obi, who confirmed the development to Sunday PUNCH when contacted over the telephone on Saturday, however, referred our correspondent to the church’s communication board, for further details, after simply saying, “Yes, the report is true. However, you will have to contact our information board for further details.”

When contacted, a member of the board, who craved anonymity, simply said, “Yes, it is true, the bishop and his driver went on a trip to somewhere in Umuchu community on Friday morning and till now, their whereabouts have remained unknown.

We have contacted the relevant authorities and the police are aware of the development, we hope for the safe return of the bishop and his driver.”

But the spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said such a report has not been brought before the command. “There is no such report before me,” he said.

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