…At least five killed, 35 injured in Christmas eve bombing
…Communities in Benue, Plateau, others face terror attacks
…Three markets burn in Lagos within one week
For millions of Nigerian Christians, Christmas 2025 arrived not with the familiar warmth of joy and fellowship, but under a pall of fear, grief and uncertainty. The season that should have been marked by hymns, thanksgiving and reunion was instead scarred by terror attacks, raging infernos and deadly road crashes, turning the Yuletide into one of the most sombre in recent memory, writes JULIET IBIMINA.
Across Nigeria, the mood was subdued as Christmas arrived amid a surge of violence and tragedy. Churches tightened security, night services ended earlier than usual, and many families marked the season quietly indoors, wary of the dangers that now attend even sacred gatherings. The spirit of Christmas endured, but it did so under siege.
The gravest incident occurred on Christmas Eve, when a bomb exploded at a mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State. At least five people were killed and 32 others injured. The Nigerian Army later confirmed the arrest of two suspects linked to the attack. The blast sent shockwaves across the country, with hospitals overwhelmed by casualties and families desperately searching for loved ones amid scenes of chaos and anguish. For many Nigerians, the symbolism was deeply unsettling: violence intruding into one of Christendoms most sacred moments.
In the aftermath, security agencies issued alerts urging heightened vigilance around churches and religious centres nationwide.
Barely days later, further bloodshed marred the New Year celebrations. On New Years Eve, at least seven people were killed when armed men attacked Bum community in Chugwi, Vwang District, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State. The attack occurred around 11:00 p.m. on December 31, just as residents were preparing to bid farewell to 2025 and welcome the New Year. By the time of filing this report, seven bodies had been recovered, while search and rescue operations were ongoing, raising fears that the death toll could rise.
Local sources said the attack took place despite earlier security alerts warning that several communities in Jos South LGA had been earmarked for possible assaults. Bum community has now become the latest victim in a renewed wave of violence.
Gunmen believed to be Fulani militia were also reported to have carried out attacks in the days leading up to the New Year across parts of Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau States, killing several people and spreading fear among farming communities.
In Benue State, residents recounted night-time raids marked by killings, arson and displacement. Homes were torched, livelihoods destroyed, and families forced to flee to neighbouring communities or makeshift shelters. For many, Christmas Day was spent counting the dead and searching for the missing.
For these communities, the Yuletide season underscored a painful reality: insecurity has become a constant companion, intruding even into moments meant for peace and reflection.
The violence in Plateau State extended beyond Jos South. More than 50 people were reportedly killed in coordinated attacks across five villagesRuku, Hurum, Darwat, Mai Yanga Sabo and NTVin the Gashish and Ropp districts of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. Properties worth millions of naira were destroyed.
Confirming the attacks, the Publicity Secretary of the Berom Moulders Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, said in a statement that nine people were killed in NTV, over 40 in Mai Yanga Sabo, three in Darwat and one in Hurum. Many others sustained injuries, while search efforts continued for those still missing. Food supplies were looted, homes and worship centres were razed, and entire communities displaced.
According to him, thousands of residents were forced to flee Hurum, Darwat, Mai Yanga Sabo and parts of NTV, in addition to casualties reported in neighbouring Bokkos and Mangu local government areas. He described the attacks as a blatant disregard for human life and an assault on the peace and unity central to Nigerias national values.
The BYM extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this senseless violence, he said. We urge the government to take immediate and decisive action to prevent further attacks and ensure the safety and security of all citizens, regardless of ethnic or religious background.
While northern states grappled with deadly attacks, Lagos State, Nigerias commercial hub, was hit by a series of devastating fires that compounded the hardship of traders already struggling under economic pressure.
Within a single week during the Christmas period, at least three major markets were gutted by infernos. The latest incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, when fire swept through a storey shopping complex beside Ikotun Roundabout.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that it received a distress call at about 12:22 a.m., with firefighters arriving within 10 minutes. According to the agencys Director, Margaret Adeseye, the fire affected a complex comprising 24 shops of varying sizes, many stocked with electronic goods worth millions of naira.
Firefighters from the Enigbo, Isolo and Ijegun stations deployed foam and water appliances to contain the blaze, while police officers from the Ikotun Division secured the area. No casualties were recorded, although the affected shops and their contents were severely damaged. Preliminary investigations linked the fire to an electrical surge caused by negligence.
The Ikotun fire came less than 72 hours after another outbreak at Arena Market in the Bolade area of Oshodi. Emergency responders swiftly contained the fire, which affected 10 container shops. No casualties were recorded, and the cause was yet to be established.
Earlier, on December 24, a major fire engulfed the Great Nigeria Insurance Plaza in Balogun Market on Lagos Island. The blaze started on the fourth floor of the 25-storey commercial building on Martins Street and spread rapidly, causing a detached section, estimated at seven floors, to collapse.
According to the Lagos State Government, emergency responders were deployed immediately. Eight men, including a firefighter, were rescued with injuries and taken to hospital, while others with minor injuries were treated and discharged at the scene. The government confirmed that one adult woman and two adult men were recovered dead from the rubble, while three other victims were reportedly burnt in the inferno. Recovery efforts continued as relatives searched for missing loved ones.
Reacting to the tragedy, the Shitta-Bey family of Lagos, owners of the building, expressed sorrow and extended condolences to the victims families, noting that the property was adequately insured and that they were cooperating fully with authorities.
Yet amid the bloodshed, fires and losses, Nigerian Christians clung resolutely to their faith. Churches remained open, albeit under heightened security. Sermons acknowledged the pain and uncertainty of the season, urging worshippers not to surrender hope, compassion or resilience in the face of adversity.
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