Mass Killings: Plateau Survivors Narrate Ordeal After Deadly Attack By Bandits

Survivors of the recent deadly attacks in Plateau State have bravely shared their harrowing experiences at the hands of the attackers.

The bandit assaults, which occurred a few days ago in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi local government areas, have cast a sorrowful atmosphere over Christmas festivities, not only in the affected communities but across the state.

At the Central Stadium Bokkos, where internally displaced persons (IDPs) have sought refuge, survivors recounted their ordeals with expressions of anger, resentment, and depression. Many spoke of the heartbreaking loss of family members, including husbands, children, and siblings, compelling them to abandon their homes in search of safety.

Christian Emmanuel, undergoing treatment at Alheri Clinic Bokkos, tearfully shared his traumatic experience, stating, “Realizing that the attackers had already occupied our community, I started running, but they were able to run faster than me. I fell down, cried, and begged them to leave me, but they refused. They caught me and shot me.”

Marry Samuel, another victim, vividly recalled the night of the attack, saying, “It was in the night, even before we took our dinner when suddenly we started hearing people shouting. Our husbands started running helter-skelter seeking refuge. I lost my husband, brothers, and children. Our farm produce has been destroyed.”

Tabita Timothy, who witnessed the gruesome attack, emphasized the need for government intervention, stating, “We have lost a lot. The attackers slaughtered our people. Some are in the hospitals receiving treatment. They burned our houses and the food we have harvested.”

Rifkatu Sati, who narrowly escaped the attack, expressed deep sorrow and uncertainty about her future, saying, “I am a widow. Those who were taking care of me have been killed.”

Mary John, who also escaped the attack, described the horrific scene, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of not celebrating Christmas, stating, “We didn’t go to church. We didn’t celebrate Christmas. This is the first time in history that we have not celebrated Christmas.”

The survivors’ accounts paint a poignant picture of the devastation caused by the attacks, highlighting the urgent need for support and intervention in the affected communities.