Plateau killings: Tears, grief as victims of Yelwa Zangam attack are laid to rest

The remains of sixteen out 34 people killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen at Yelwa Zangam community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, were buried on Saturday, August 28, amidst tears and anguish.

 

The remains of other 18 victims who were burnt beyond recognition in the attack were buried shortly after the killing on Wednesday. 12 out of the burnt victims were members of the same family who were locked up in one room, killed and set ablaze.

 

The procession with the bodies of the victims, commenced at about 7:30am on Saturday from the Jos University Teaching hospital (JUTH) to the burial ground at the Zangam community was peaceful and full of sober reflection. 

 

Relations of the deceased, who cried and wailed in utter disbelieved as they watch the bodies of their parents, women, children and grandparents lowered into the grave.

 

Among the 16 corpses buried, five are members of the same family who were butchered and killed by the Fulani bandits.

 

 

A woman identified as Rita, wept uncontrolably because she lost two of her daughters in the gruesome attack. She said her entire world has been taken away from her. 

 

Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo expressed his displeasure over the mass killings and urged Christians in the state to defend themselves.

 

He called for calm and urged the youths to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner and channel their energy towards protecting their communities.

 

Ateker Pada Bitrus, who escaped narrowly lost nine members of his family.

 

 

Bitrus recounts his horrible experience in pains as he described the violence unleashed on the community as preventable.

 

Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Youth Wing, Pharm Mark Moses urged government to rise up to its constitutional responsibility of protecting and defending defenseless citizens.

 

He said there is need for government and security agencies to prevent future attacks in any parts of the state.