Rev Yakubu Mutong Recounts How He Lost His Family and Church Members in the Christmas Eve Attack on Christians in Plateau

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What was supposed to be a joyful Christmas celebration turned into a night of unimaginable horror for the people of Maiyanga and several neighbouring villages in Plateau State, Nigeria. Reverend Yakubu Mutong, a pastor with the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), has shared the heartbreaking story of how he lost his wife, children, and church members in a brutal attack by armed militants on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024.

In an emotional recount, Rev. Mutong described the coordinated assault that left his community in ashes and mourning. According to him, at least eleven villages, including Maiyanga, came under simultaneous attack that night. What should have been a season of celebration became a scene of bloodshed and despair.

“My name is Rev. Yakubu Mutong. I am a pastor with the Church of Christ in Nations, COCIN. This is my village, Maiyanga. Maiyanga is in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. What really happened here is that more than eleven villages were affected by this crisis. In each one, the pattern was the same — killing, maiming, and burning,” he said.

According to the Reverend, the attackers moved from house to house, slaughtering residents, setting homes on fire, and destroying food supplies. By dawn, over 150 people were dead.

“It was supposed to be a Christmas, but for us, there was nothing to celebrate,” he said tearfully. “It was a mournful Christmas because of what happened to us.”

Standing in the ruins of his burnt home, Rev. Mutong explained that he had lost everything — his possessions, his church, and even the pastorium where he and his family once lived.

“As you can see, I am standing here in front of my house that was burnt down by the militants. I lost everything in the house, including our food and furniture. Even the church close by was burnt, including the pastorium. Everything in this village is in confusion,” he said.

But the most painful part of his story was not the loss of property. It was the people he loved.

“I personally lost seven of my brothers in this crisis. My wife, my children, and many members of my church were also killed. Everything in this village has been destroyed. Yet, we thank God that some of us are still alive.”

The Plateau Christmas Eve massacre has been described as one of the deadliest attacks on Christian communities in recent years. Entire families were wiped out, and dozens of churches were razed. Survivors like Rev. Mutong are left with deep emotional scars and the painful task of rebuilding their lives from the ashes.

Local and international observers have repeatedly called for stronger security measures in rural communities across northern Nigeria, where attacks on Christians and farmers have become alarmingly frequent. Many say the government must act decisively to stop the cycle of violence that has claimed thousands of lives over the years.

For Rev. Mutong and others in Bokkos, however, the pain is personal and immediate. What was once a close-knit Christian community now stands in ruins. Amid tears and sorrow, they cling to faith, believing that justice will one day prevail and peace will return to their land.

Despite the tragedy, the Reverend’s message remains one of faith and hope.