Plateau Pastor Recounts Night of Tragedy in Bokkos
A devastating account has emerged from Maiyanga village in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, where Rev. Yakubu Mutong, a pastor with the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), narrated the harrowing events that unfolded on December 24, 2024.
According to the cleric, the coordinated night attack left deep scars on the community — claiming lives, destroying homes, and leaving hundreds in grief.
“I Lost Seven Brothers in One Night”
Speaking with emotion, Rev. Mutong shared his personal loss, revealing that seven of his brothers were among those killed.
“My name is Rev. Yakubu Mutong, I am a pastor with the Church of Christ in Nations, COCIN. This is my village, Maiyanga, in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. What really happened here is that…
“Not only this village was affected by the crisis. More than 11 villages were attacked, and Maiyanga happened to be one of them. In these villages, the same kind of destruction took place — people were killed, houses and properties were burnt, and foodstuffs destroyed.”
Over 150 Lives Lost, Homes Reduced to Ashes
According to Rev. Mutong, the attackers struck during what was meant to be a joyous Christmas Eve, turning it into a night of sorrow.
“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.”
He described the widespread destruction — houses and churches set ablaze, including his own home and the COCIN church building nearby.
“As you can see, I am standing in front of my house in my village that was burnt down by the militants. I lost everything — food, furniture, and other belongings. Even the church close by was burnt, including the pastorium. Everything about us here is in confusion.”
“We Thank God Some of Us Survived”
Despite the immense loss, Rev. Mutong expressed gratitude for life, acknowledging that survival itself was a miracle amid the tragedy.
“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.”
A Community Seeking Hope Amid Ruins
The Maiyanga incident remains one of the most painful episodes to hit Plateau communities in recent memory. While the wounds are still fresh, survivors like Rev. Mutong continue to hold onto faith, hoping for healing, peace, and justice for their people.
