Governors, Other Nigerian Leaders Identify With Christians, Celebrate Birth of Christ

•Herdsmen kill 11 in Benue in Christmas day attack

Segun Awofadeji in Gombe, George Okoh in Makurdi, Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja and Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

Governors and other Nigerian leaders, yesterday, identified with Christians all over Nigeria as they celebrated Christmas, being the anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ, yesterday.

This was as no fewer than 11 persons were reportedly killed on Christmas Day when gunmen suspected to be herdsmen and Jukum militia attacked communities in Kwande Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.

But celebration went on yesterday in many parts of the country.

Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya

Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, received members of the Christian community, under the auspices of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on a Christmas homage at the Government House.

He used the occasion to offer commiserations over the accident involving Christian youths on Christmas procession in Gombe, assuring them of support for victims under medical care.

Speaking while receiving the procession, Yahaya felicitated with them on the occasion of this year’s Christmas, and enjoined the faithful, especially the youths, to use the occasion to promote peace and unity and avoid indulging in social vices.

The Governor described Christmas as a season of joy, happiness, and reflection, urging the faithful to follow the teachings of the holy book exemplified by Jesus Christ. 

Valerie Fubara

Wife of Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, has noted that the Rivers children were well-behaved, and admonised them to remain supportive of their parents while striving always to make a difference wherever they find themselves.

Lady Fubara gave the counsel at the 2024 Christmas Children Party, attended by children from the 23 Local Government Areas of the State, including non-indigenes, at Government House in Port Harcourt.

The Christmas Children Party also witnessed the presence of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who stopped over to share moments with them, walking from one canopy to another, waving at them, and at other times, shaking hands with them to leave lasting memories on them.

The Rivers first lady pointed to the importance of the celebration of Christmas, which drew attention to the birth of Jesus Christ, demanding of people to have a deep reflection of the love that is demonstrated and mission of the birth, which is to redeem mankind.

Usman Ododo

Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has felicitated with Christians on Christmas day, reminding them of the core values that bind them together and prayed for peace and unity of Nigeria.

In a Christmas message personally signed, Ododo said, “As we celebrate this season of joy, love, and hope, I extend my heartfelt Christmas greetings to you and your families.

“Christmas is a time to reflect on the boundless love of God, exemplified through the birth of Jesus Christ, whose life inspires us to embrace compassion, generosity, and unity.

“This season reminds us of the values that bind us together as a community – peace, tolerance, and the unwavering spirit of resilience. Let us use this time to show kindness to one another, especially to those in need, and to strengthen the bonds of love and friendship within our families and neighborhoods.”

Abba Yusuf

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, while extending felicitations to Christians on the occasion of 2024 Christmas celebration, also donated money to the Christian groups in the state.

In a goodwill message, Yusuf rejoiced with Christians who, by the bountiful mercies and favour of Almighty Allah, preserved to witness yet another moment of celebration.

In the statement signed by his Spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, he urged Christians in Kano to embrace spirit of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence, as they relish the season.

The governor emphasised the need to strengthen the spirit of brotherhood, foster unity, and stimulate love inspite of diversities, as that’s the only driving force to progress in the country.

Opeyemi Bamidele

Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidle, has said Christmas presented humanity the opportunity to appreciate God Almighty for His redemption plan and the birth of Jesus Christ.

“Christ is indeed the real reason for this season and nothing more. It is not just a season for winning and dining, but also of deep reflection about Christ’s birth and mission, about His care and love, and about His sacrifice and travail for us all, even for the unborn generations.

“The reason for the season is, no doubt, a huge lesson for all humanity far and near. As we celebrate His faithfulness and goodness in our homes, we must also remember the needy in our neighbourhoods and consciously minister to them as Christ will have done.

“We need to reflect on the travail of the vulnerable nationwide and rekindle enduring hope in their hearts. We must reach out to those in troubled areas and show them the care of Christ our Lord.”

Herdsmen kill 11 in Benue Communities

Eleven persons were reportedly killed on Christmas Day, when gunmen suspected to be herdsmen and Jukum militia attacked communities in Kwande Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.

According to a source, the invaders stormed the communities shortly after the residents returned home from the Christmas Day church service and were preparing for the day’s celebrations when they came shooting sporadically and chasing the residents.

A former aide of the immediate past governor of the state, who also hails from one of the affected communities, Solomon Amande, who confirmed the development, said he got the report of the incident from eyewitnesses in the area claiming the attack was allegedly carried out by a combined team of armed herdsmen and Jukum militia.

“I was briefed about what happened. I was told that given the relative peace for some time now in the communities, the people who deserted their homes due to the activities of armed herdsmen decided to go back home and reside in their communities.

“They settled in their communities and went about the normal activities. Unfortunately, yesterday (Wednesday), being Christmas Day, they went to church, and after returning home from the service, families were preparing meals, and some were gathering and relaxing at spots to celebrate Christmas when a combined team of armed herdsmen and Jukum militia started attacking from five different places.

“They were chasing people and shooting sporadically, and whoever they caught up with was killed. They did that till they got to Government Secondary School, Anwase.

“They killed about 10 people at Anwase in Mbaikyor Council Ward of Turan. And they also killed one person at Iyaav Council Ward, which is my Council Ward, around Tse Jam River Crossing.

“They carried out the killings in communities at the foot of the mountain. It was indeed a sad Christmas for our people. In fact, there is a combined team of military personnel and police stationed at Jato-Aka, our immediate town. And it is expected that the recently launched state security team would also be on the ground because it is a crisis-prone area.”

Also, the President of Mzough U Tiv, MUT, MUT, worldwide, Chief Iorbee Ihagh, who is from Moon Council Ward, another deserted community in the LGA, confirmed that apart from the 11 dead victims, many others were reported missing and unaccounted for after the attack.

He said, “11 persons were killed, and many are still missing from the attack. The leaders of the affected communities have already reported the incident at the police station.”