A pastor with the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Rev. Yakubu Mutong, has recounted how armed Fulani militants killed seven of his brothers and over 150 members of his congregation during coordinated attacks on Maiyanga and neighboring villages in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State in December 2024.
Speaking in an emotional account, Rev. Mutong described the devastating incident that occurred on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024, when militants stormed his village and 10 others in a wave of coordinated assaults that left widespread destruction in their wake.
“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,” he said. “More than 11 villages were attacked that night in the same manner — killings, maiming, burning of houses, churches, and destruction of foodstuffs.”
According to him, by the end of the onslaught, over 150 people had been killed, while several homes and places of worship were set ablaze. “It was supposed to be Christmas, but for us, there was nothing to celebrate. Everything in this village has been destroyed,” he lamented.
Standing before the ruins of his burnt home, Rev. Mutong said he lost all his possessions, including food and furniture. “Even the church close by was burnt, including the pastorium. Personally, I have lost seven of my brothers to this crisis,” he said, his voice breaking with emotion.
The December 2024 attacks, which left several communities in Bokkos devastated, have renewed concerns over persistent violence and alleged targeted killings of Christians in parts of northern Nigeria. Survivors like Rev. Mutong say they remain traumatized, uncertain about the future, and struggling to rebuild their shattered lives.
