The Nigeria Police Force’s Zamfara State Command said that churches in Gusau had received letters threatening attacks from unknown individuals.
In a statement received by InsightnaijaTV earlier today, the state’s Commissioner of Police, Ayuba Elkanah, confirmed the letters, saying that the police has yet to determine the source of the letters but that required steps have been taken.
Unknown personnel deposited a copy of the letter to the police command headquarters on Tuesday, according to Elkanah.
The police spokesperson, on the other hand, assured the state’s Christian community of the force’s resolve to provide them with maximum security.
He also informed Muslims that starting next Friday, security forces would be deployed to mosques, just as they were to churches on their prayer days.
He said: “We are yet to ascertain where the letter came from, but considering the current situation in the country, we will not just sit down and overlook the content of the letter.
“We are going to deploy adequate security to all churches and even mosques during prayer sessions and services.
“I have directed that adequate security personnel should be deployed to churches and even the mosques from next Friday.”
Unknown individuals suspected of being bandit terrorists had previously written a letter to the Christian community in Zamfara State, Northwest Nigeria, requesting that they close their churches or face assaults.
The Zamfara State Police Command confirmed the threat letter and stated that they are “on top” of the situation.
The police were aware of the threat letter from the accused bandits, according to DSP Mohammed Shehu, the command’s spokeswoman.
He said, “Yes, I can confirm that it’s true, a threat letter was sent to the Christians in Zamfara State to stop worship and to close churches.
“Actually the police informed the Christian leaders about the threat.
“Accordingly the CP has invited the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state to discuss security measures around the churches.
“In that regard, a special squad has been created by the CP to patrol and protect worshippers, especially on Sundays.
“Additionally, plain-clothes personnel have been deployed for intelligence gathering and to unravel those behind the threat letter.”
