DAILY TRUST
A few days ago, residents of the recently attacked communities in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi local government areas of Plateau wouldn’t have believed that they wouldn’t celebrate this year’s Christmas with their loved ones in peace, especially as many had already begun the festivities in their own way.
The attacks occurred at a time when residents were preparing to celebrate the year’s Christmas, and these renewed incidents have cast a shadow over the Christmas festivities, not only in the affected communities but also across the state, revealing a sombre atmosphere considering the lives and properties lost in the incident.
Monday Kassah, the Transition Committee Chairman of Bokkos LGA, Thursday in Bokkos disclosed that the attacks which took place between Saturday night and Monday morning, claimed 148 lives, including women and children, leaving hundreds injured.
In an address during a condolence visit by Vice President Kashim Shettima to the family members in the affected communities, Kassah said 1,290 houses, 82 vehicles and 187 motorcycles were burned in the 25 communities that were attacked.
While narrating their ordeals at the Central Stadium Bokkos, where the IDPs are temporarily seeking refuge, there was anger, resentment and depression on the faces of the survivors. Many of them who spoke to Daily Trust said they had either lost their husbands, children or other loved ones. They said the incidents have forced them to abandon their homes in search of safety.
“Realising that the attackers had already occupied our community, I started running but they were able to run faster than me,” said Christian Emmanuel who is receiving treatment at Alheri Clinic Bokkos. “I then fell down. I started crying and begged them to leave me but they refused. They caught me and shot me. I begged them for the second time but they shot me again.”
Marry Samuel, another victim while narrating her experience, said she would live to remember what she went through during the attack. She said, “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.
“We lay down in the bush hiding and luckily, the attackers did not see us. We trekked for long distances during the night. To God be the glory, we were able to survive. We are now sleeping in schools with no food or clothes. About 12 people in our family are no more,” Mary added.
