Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, the Barkin Ladi Regional Chairman for the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), has reported that all nine victims killed during a weekend raid on Kum community in Plateau State were his relatives. The clergyman made this announcement during the group funeral held for the deceased on Monday.
Dachomo stated that this tragedy is part of an ongoing pattern of violence against his family, which he believes is a direct response to his public advocacy regarding the humanitarian crisis in the region. He recounted previous brutal attacks, noting that his grandmother had her heart removed by assailants and an uncle was killed with his tongue excised.
The victims, all part of the James family, included infants and teenagers ranging from three months to 38 years old. Those identified were Celina, Yohanna, Janet, Jenifer, Sele, Melody, Rito, Endurance, and Peace James. Only one individual, Pam Yohanna, survived the encounter and is currently hospitalized with injuries. Despite the personal loss, the Reverend expressed that he has chosen to forgive the perpetrators.
The incident has sparked fresh demands for government accountability and improved security protocols to protect citizens in Plateau State from further violence.
