US, UK Warn of Possible Easter Attack in Nigeria

(Chippla Vandu/Wikimedia Commons)A view of the National Christian Centre in Abuja is seen in a file photo.

There is a "high threat" that Nigeria may be attacked as Easter approaches, the United Kingdom warned as the U.S. also issued a travel warning during the holiday.

The U.K. Foreign Office issued the warning in a travel warning on Thursday.

"There is a high threat of terrorist attack during religious festivals," the U.K. warning read.

Last December, Islamic militant group Boko Haram claimed a car-bombing outside a church in Abuja that killed at least 44 people on Christmas Day.

The U.K. said in its travel advice for the country that the main terrorist threat comes from the Boko Haram, which aspires to establish Islamic law in the country, attacking security institutions, police stations and places of worship.

The U.S. Embassy noted there had been a history of attacks throughout Nigeria during previous holiday weekends, nearly daily attacks in the north and ongoing media reports of continued threats.

The U.S. Embassy advised its citizens to "remain particularly vigilant around churches and other places of worship," including places where large crowds may gather or where foreigners could be grouped.

The U.K. specifically warned its citizens against traveling to multiple states in the northern part of the country. The Office warned against traveling to Niger, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Borno, Yobe, Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, parts of Akwa Ibom State and the Bakassi Peninsula.

Copyright © 2013 Ecumenical News