It’s only a few weeks until Christmas comes around, but it seems not only Christians are looking forward to that all important day of the year.
According to a report by Daily Post, the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP), has issued threats of possible attacks in letters being circulated in Michika, a local government area in the northern part of Adamawa State.
“Yes, threat letters were dropped in Bazza and Michika towns. The terrorists have warned of an impending attack on our communities during Christmas festivities,” a source familiar with the matter has said.
“As it is, our people have been terrified because the terrorists have earned a reputation of carrying out their threat anytime they make one.” the source added.
The report said DSP Suleiman Nguroje, who is the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, was contacted for response on the development, but said he was yet to get any dependable report on the matter.
The Brigade Commander of the 23 Brigade in Yola, Aminu Garba, would not make an authoritative comment either.
He said Michika did not fall within his control area and suggested contact with 28 Brigade in Chibok, Borno State.
Aminu Garba, however, boasted that ISWAP would not come into Michika and mess the place up unchallenged.
He said, “The issue of threat letters has now become a routine. Let them come and see if they will go back.”
It is not the first time terror groups send letters to communities before an attack.
Residents of Shuni, a community in Dange/Shuni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, received a letter containing notice of impending attacks the community.
The notice of attack was discovered under a tree in Kwanar Kimba Village of Shuni District, Dange/Shuni LGA, a resident revealed, according to a report by SR.
“The notice is written in Hausa language by suspected bandits threatening to destroy the villages of Shuni, Kwanar Kimba, Rikina and Dange, and it has thrown residents into panic,” the source stated.
The writers also boasted in the alleged notification that no force could stop them from carrying out their threat.
“A million army personnel will not stop us from carrying out the attack, which may be carried out any moment from now,” the alleged notice stated.
Since the threats were issued, bandits have been terrorizing Sokoto and Katsina states, prompting the Buhari government to send a high-level delegation, made up of the heads of the nation’s intelligence and security services, to Sokoto and Katsina States.