A senior Bishop in Nigeria says the latest terror attacks in the country could pose the gravest danger the country's capital has ever seen.
Over the last few days, police have tightened security in and around Abuja following a series of attacks which have been blamed on Islamist militants. Two soldiers were killed after a Presidential Guard military checkpoint was attacked at Zuma Rock, on 28th July.
That ambush followed a raid on a prison at the beginning of July, during which 600 inmates were set free - including 64 members of the Islamist terror group Boko Haram. Militant Islamists are thought to have orchestrated the jail break.
The Assistant Inspector General of Police, Audu Madaki was also ambushed while travelling to Abuja. He is recovering in hospital, having sustained gun wounds, but his orderly who was with him was killed.
Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja told Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN): "Some years ago, there were bomb attacks. But there has never been a really serious threat, as we are witnessing now.
"Abuja is the capital city, and it should be the safest place to be.
"This is where the President lives, we didn't think things could happen in Abuja in this manner.
"We are not sure what could happen next, when or from where the attackers can come, because they can do anything. The situation is very serious."
Archbishop Kaigama hit out at politicians who he claimed were failing to tackle the current emergency :
"One would have thought that as a result of the worsening security situation, senators, and representatives at the National Assembly would be feverishly seeking solutions to the problems, but instead they gave themselves six weeks break.
"After the attacks they left, just last week.
"People are suffering, but the leaders simply care more about their personal welfare and official privileges.
"I am hoping this next election will be free, fair and transparent, and will produce leaders who are selfless, people-oriented and capable of genuine dialogue".
Terror-related violence has been increasing in Nigeria over the last few years. According to Open Doors' 2021 World Watch List, more Christians were killed for their faith in Nigeria than in any other country in 2020 - 3,530, up from 1,350 in 2019.