The wife of Pastor Mimang Lekyil, who was killed alongside seven others by suspected Fulani militias in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, has recounted the harrowing moments the attackers invaded their home, deliberately singling out her husband.
At the time of the attack, Pastor Lekyil led the Local Church Council (LCC) of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Kwakas-Mushere, Bokkos. He was shot dead inside the pastorium, while his wife sustained severe injuries, including shattered legs.
In a video interview shared on social media on Thursday by conflict journalist Masara Kim Usman, Mrs. Lekyil said the assailants specifically asked for her husband, showing that the killing was premeditated.
She narrated the terrifying ordeal:
“On the day my husband was killed, my sister and her son were visiting us. After praying that night and as we were about to sleep, my husband went into the bathroom. Suddenly, some Fulani boys, very young and all armed, burst into the house. There were about five or six of them,” she said.
Mrs. Lekyil explained how her husband was deliberately targeted:
“I whispered to my husband to come inside the room. He asked me what had happened, and I told him that Fulani boys had entered the house. As he followed me, they saw him coming out of the bathroom and called, ‘Baba, ka zo’ (‘Baba, come here’), insisting he go with them into the room. I thought they wanted to kidnap him, but then they started shooting.”
She added: “They closed the door and continued spraying bullets while ordering us to come out. I kept hoping that the vigilante group or the soldiers nearby would come to our aid, but no one did. The attackers shot all around the room, including at the doors. I didn’t even realize my husband had been killed until it was over. They also shot me, shattering my leg, and after they left, they kidnapped my sister.”
The widow’s account highlights the calculated nature of the attack and the ongoing security challenges faced by communities in Bokkos LGA.
NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc has paid over ₦5.5 billion in claims to policyholders as at April 2026, reaffirming its long-standing reputation as one of Nigeria’s most dependable and customer-focused insurance brands.
The claims payout, according to the company cuts across both General and Life businesses, underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling its promises to customers promptly and consistently, even as Nigeria’s insurance industry continues to evolve amid recapitalisation and increased market scrutiny.
A breakdown of the claims settlement shows that the sum of ₦3,668,742,117.69 was paid under the General Business portfolio, while ₦1,914,029,614.93 was disbursed under the Life Business portfolio, covering Group Life and Retail Life policies.
The payouts covered a broad spectrum of claims including motor, engineering, marine, life protection, death benefits and other insured risks.
Equally important, Mutual Benefits has consistently earned commendation from policyholders for its responsiveness during difficult moments.
A retail customer whose motor insurance claim was recently settled by the company described the experience as reassuring:“You never truly know the value of insurance until something goes wrong. What stood out for me was how quickly Mutual Benefits responded and resolved my claim without unnecessary stress.”
Another Group Life beneficiary noted: “At a very difficult time for our family, Mutual Benefits came through professionally and compassionately. The support made a real difference.”
Speaking on the development, Managing Director, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc., Olufemi Asenuga described the payout as more than a financial transaction.
“Insurance is ultimately about trust. At Mutual Benefits, we understand that our relevance is not measured merely by policies sold, but by our ability to stand by customers when they need us most.”
He noted further that the consistent settlement of genuine claims reflects the company’s strong operational structure, disciplined underwriting approach and enduring commitment to policyholders across Nigeria.
Industry analysts have continued to emphasise the importance of prompt claims settlement in deepening insurance penetration and restoring public confidence in the sector.
A Lagos-based insurance and financial services analyst, Chinedu Okafor, stated that: “In a market where customers are increasingly demanding accountability and proof of value, insurers that consistently pay claims promptly will continue to earn long-term trust and market relevance.
Claims payment is the strongest form of marketing any insurance company can undertake.”
The latest payout comes at a critical period for Nigeria’s insurance industry, as operators continue to position for stronger financial capacity, operational efficiency and increased consumer confidence in line with ongoing recapitalisation conversations across the sector.
Mutual Benefits noted that while financial strength remains important, long-term sustainability in insurance is ultimately built on trust, service delivery and the ability to honour obligations consistently.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to improving customer experience, accelerating digital transformation, deepening insurance awareness and delivering innovative products tailored to the realities of individuals and businesses.
With over three decades of operations and a growing footprint across Nigeria, Mutual Benefits continues to position itself as a reliable partner for protection, wealth creation and peace of mind.
The Plateau State Government has declared that the state is “at war with terrorists and enemies of the state” as it vowed to intensify efforts to tackle the wave of coordinated attacks recorded across the state over the past four months.
The declaration was made after an emergency meeting of the State Security Council convened by Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Tuesday at the Rayfield Government House in Jos.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Secretary to the State Government, Samuel Jatau, said the council reviewed the worsening security situation and adopted fresh measures aimed at protecting lives and property.
Jatau said the emergency session brought together members of the State Security Council, chairmen of the 17 local government areas and the Chairman of the Plateau State Joint Traditional Council, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba.
According to him, the council concluded that Plateau had come under sustained attacks in recent months, with clear signs of coordinated assaults across communities.
“The council identified and unanimously agreed that the state has been under siege in the last four months with evidence of coordinated attacks unleashed on the state,” he said.
To curb the insecurity, the council resolved to intensify enforcement of the ban on motorcycles, night grazing and illegal mining activities, which it described as factors fuelling insecurity.
The government also directed security agencies to reclaim all ungoverned areas and public spaces across the state.
Jatau disclosed that the government would immediately boost logistics support for security agencies through the provision of additional motorcycles and operational vehicles to strengthen security operations.
The council further stressed the need for stronger collaboration between local government security structures and host communities, noting that intelligence sharing and synergy must be improved.
On public order, the government warned that any group found blocking highways would henceforth be treated as engaging in criminal activity and would face the full weight of the law.
The council also pledged to ensure the protection of farmlands ahead of the farming season to guarantee the safety of farmers and agricultural activities.
Traditional institutions were equally urged to tighten control over cultural groups and associations operating under their supervision.
Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, Jatau declared, “Plateau State is in a state of war with terrorists and enemies of the state.”
He added that the government remained fully committed to protecting lives, property and communities across the state.
As part of broader security measures, the council also resolved to launch a crackdown on drug dealers, traffickers and substance abusers operating within Plateau State.