By Xhyongo Sokoto, The Nigeria Times
The Christmas season in Rido, a small village in Plateau State, Nigeria, turned into a nightmare when armed groups attacked the local Christian community. On December 22nd , 14 innocent people were killed, including a pregnant woman and her one-year-old daughter. This attack highlights the ongoing violence faced by the Irigwe people in North-Central Nigeria, often linked to armed groups from the Fulani ethnic community.
The village, home to about 1,000 Christians, was targeted just after a Christmas carol service at the local church. Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers took advantage of the darkness to launch their assault. Local leader Wuna Gado expressed his anger and concern over the lack of protection from the military, despite alerting them earlier that day about suspicious activities in the area.
“I called the Nigerian army, who were just a short distance away, around 4:00 p.m., but they didn’t come to help us,” Gado said. “My house was attacked first, and then they moved to another place, killing 12 people, including a pregnant woman and a small child.” He also mentioned that the attackers stole valuable items from homes.
The aftermath was devastating for the community, with victims buried in a collective funeral. Among those laid to rest were baby Sheba Ernest and her mother, Mary Stephen. Survivors like Linda Moses are currently receiving medical care, but the community urgently needs help to heal and recover from this tragedy.
Since 2016, more than 2,000 Christians have lost their lives in similar attacks. This recent incident, occurring during a festive time, shows how vulnerable the Irigwe community is. Many locals criticized the security forces for their inaction, with some suggesting they might even be involved. Community leaders are now calling for conversations that could help restore trust and improve safety.
The violence has deeply affected people’s livelihoods, disrupting farming and mining activities, and leaving many families in crisis. Homes have been looted, worsening the struggles faced by the community. Despite the difficulties, the Irigwe Development Association (IDA) is urging unity and patience among the people.
Sam Jugo, a spokesperson for the IDA, expressed sadness over the loss of life and called on security forces to act quickly to bring peace. “The need for justice and lasting peace is essential,” he stated.
During a memorial service, Ezekiel Bini, a youth leader, told the community to prioritize their safety. “Protect yourselves; don’t rely on the Nigerian army,” Bini warned. “Fight back against anyone trying to harm you.”
Rev. Ayuba Kasa from the church led the funeral service, encouraging mourners to find strength in their faith. “Look to Jesus for comfort,” he said. “Be cautious and avoid late-night outings.”
The ongoing violence in the Middle Belt has drawn international criticism. Kyle Abts, from the International Committee on Nigeria (ICON), condemned the lack of government response. “These tragedies must end! The Nigerian government has let these Christian communities down for too long,” Abts said.
ICON continues to advocate for justice and protection for vulnerable groups in Nigeria, aiming to raise global awareness about these terrible events and seeking solutions to protect communities.
As the holiday season continues, the Irigwe people reflect on their losses but remain determined to rebuild their lives. Their strength and unity are crucial as they seek lasting solutions to the violence that affects their community. Following the attack, the Nigerian army promised to investigate, but local leader Gado expressed distrust, saying, “We don’t want the Nigerian army in our community anymore; we want to protect ourselves.”
