Some survivors of the brutal and deadly attacks on March 28 and April 2 in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State have narrated their harrowing experiences and ordeal they went through when the gunmen suspected to be Fulani militia.
Recall that the terrorists had laid siege to six communities – Ruwi, Mangor, Daffo, Manguna, Hurti, and Tadai– on the said days where they massacred over 50 people including women and children, burnt down houses, vehicles, food storages and rendered over 2000 people homeless.
Some of the survivors who recounted their devastating experiences, said they only escaped death by the whiskers and the saving grace of God.
One of such survivors, Tariza Jakob from Hurti village, said:
“We were living in peace, with no provocation. Then gunmen on motorcycles arrived, shooting indiscriminately. We ran for our lives, children alongside us. We had nowhere to hide. Many were killed. Our homes were burnt. We call on the government to help us. We will never forgive the attackers.”
Malachi Joel from Ruwi, had this to say:
“On March 28, we were at a wake-keep of one of our late relatives when the Fulani people came suddenly and attacked us. There was no provocation whatsoever as we have been living in peace with them.
“Some of them have lived with us for years and we could not believe that the same people will come and attack us. But they took us unawares and that night, they killed 11 people including women. They also burnt down houses and food stores. It was very disheartening for us.”
Mangut Polycarp from Daffo had this to say:
“It was God that saved my life and that of my wife and young daughter. After the attack on Ruwi on March 28, we organized our young men to be providing security for the community but on the night the Fulani people attacked us, they took us quite unawares.
“I was just telling my wife to make sure she locks up the house while I prepared to go and join other young men when the gunmen arrived on many motorcycles and started shooting everywhere. I dashed back to my house and managed to sneak out of the back yard with my wife and eight months old baby. It was very scary.”
Michael Yuhana, also from Hurti, said:
“It happened on Wednesday evening. Gunshots rang out, and people began to flee. Despite our efforts, many were killed. By the time security forces arrived, 35 people had been confirmed dead, and 18 injured. Some victims are still missing, while others are being treated in hospitals. The security personnel did their best.”
Banghas Atanguk, from the Manguna community, said:
“At about 3:45 p.m., while going about our normal activities, we heard gunshots from different directions. People ran in all directions.
‘Some escaped, others didn’t. I lost my uncle, Simon Bahias, a school principal. We are alive, but uncertain of what tomorrow holds. The security forces are trying, but they are not enough.”
