*Silhouette Of US Accusation Of Christian Genocide Looms
The scale of terrorism ravaging parts of Nigeria was highlighted as a pastor in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria, narrated how suspected rampaging Fulani terrorists massacred over 150 persons, killed seven of his brothers, burnt down his church as well as other buildings in Maiyanga village.
His disclosures, contained in a video which has gone viral, came amid tension following moves in the US Congress to slam some Nigerian leaders with stiff sanctions for allegedly doing nothing or aiding and abetting a Christian genocide in the country.
Rev. Yakubu Mutong, who serves with the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Maiyanga, Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State, a predominantly Christian state, described the attack, which occurred in the night of 24 December (Christmas Eve) 2024, as unprovoked and devastating.
Over 11 other villages were attacked by the terrorists same day, he said.
He added that by the time the terrorists were done with the attacks, they had succeeded in slaughtering over 150 persons and razed, aside churches, several houses, properties, and stacks of foodstuff -so as to force a hunger crisis on any survivors or send them fleeing into exile to abandon their ancestral lands.
To him, the year-long anticipated Christmas celebration was suddenly discoloured into one of multiple deaths, deep sorrow, wailing, unexpected burials, and bitter counting of totally unexpected losses.
Speaking in a voice obviously tinged with sorrow, Rev. Mutong said: “My name is Rev. Yakubu Mutong, I am a pastor with the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN). This is my village, Maiyanga. Maiyanga is in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria.
“Not only here in this village were affected by this crisis. More than 11 villages were affected and Maiyanga happened to be one of the affected villages. And in these villages, it is the same nature of attacks that were carried out.
“The killing, the maiming of people, slaughtering them and burning their houses, properties, and their foodstuffs. From the records we collected, we have over 150 people who were killed in one day, which was on 24th December, 2024.
“It was supposed to be a Christmas but for us, there was nothing to celebrate. It was a mournful Christmas because of what happened to us.
“As you can see, I am standing here in front of my house in my village that was burnt down by the militants. I lost everything in the house, including food and all the furniture.
“Even the church close by was burnt including the pastorium. Everything about us here in this village is in confusion, as you can see.
“Everything in this village has been destroyed but we thank God that some of us are still alive. Personally, I have lost seven of my brothers to this crisis.”
*PHOTO CAPTION: Rev. Mutong.
