The Nigerian Baptist Convention has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic killing of nine of its members in Plateau State during a violent attack by gunmen on Christmas Eve, News About Nigeria reports.
The victims, who were worshippers at Nasara Baptist Church in the Dares community in Bokkos Local Government Area, were attacked by attackers who targeted multiple Plateau communities.
Ishaya Moses, a survivor of the attack, recounted the incident to the President of the Plateau Baptist Conference, Rev. K.K. Saleh, during his visit to the community.
Moses revealed that the attackers, after committing the gruesome act, callously celebrated by turning on the church generator in the night.
Another bereaved Baptist member, Malan Maju, who lost his wife and son in the attack, disclosed that the victims had been given a mass burial.
Expressing shock over the extent of the destruction and the prevailing insecurity in the country, Rev. K.K. Saleh slammed the security agencies for the lack of meaningful solutions.
He extended condolences on behalf of the Nigerian Baptist Conference and called for global attention to the incident.
While urging the affected community to remain strong, Saleh discouraged retaliatory actions and emphasised the need for calm and unity.
He added that it is important to seek God’s guidance during such challenging times and pleaded with the youth to avoid substance abuse and heed the counsel of parents and the church.
The President of the Plateau Baptist Conference concluded by stating, “May God help, protect, and guide us.”
News About Nigeria reported that the death toll from bandit attacks has hit 160.
The local government officials disclosed this on Monday, stating that the number of lost lives has risen from the initial figure reported on Sunday.
The deaths, they said, were from a series of attacks on villages, with 16 additional people killed recently in a region plagued for several years by religious and ethnic tensions.
