Connect with us

Lifestyle

My Mother Asked The Gunmen To Kill Her Alone And Spare Us But They Shot Her And All My Siblings —Survivor Of Yelwa-Zangam Attack Recounts Tales Of Horror

Published

4 years ago

on

It was all tears at the Our Lady of Apostle Hospital, Jos, Plateau State during the week when relations and sympathisers besieged the hospital to see those who survived the attack on Yelwa-Zangam in Jos, North local government area of Plateau by gunmen said to be Fulani.

The attackers, who were in their large number were said to have invaded the community at about 8:30 pm. They destroyed the local bridge linking the community to the city centre with the primary aim of blocking any rescue mission or intervention from the neighbouring communities and the security agencies.

It was gathered from some of the survivors of the attack that the marauders, despite the curfew in place, came shooting sporadically and butchering anyone they caught up with before they began house to house operations.

A survivor who said he was returning from work at about 10:00 pm said he took cover under the bridge throughout the time the operation lasted

“For close to three hours that I was hiding under the collapsed bridge, there was wailing and crying from all the houses in the community while thick smoke enveloped the air as the marauders burnt houses.

“I could not run back and I cannot proceed to enter the community. I came out at about 2:00 am when I heard a siren from security vehicles near the bridge. They brought me out but could not go further because the bridge had been damaged by the attackers suspected to be Fulani militias.”

Reliving the attack, one of the victims, Blessing Adubir, who sustained bullet wounds on her leg and hand. said she lost her mother and six siblings in the attack.

She stated that the invaders arrived in the community at about 8:33 pm, and destroyed the bridge linking the area to the Jos city centre. She added that they shot their way into the community to probably announce their arrival shooting at random until they began house to house operations

“ We were preparing to go to bed when we began to hear gunshots in different directions. I and my sister Joyce went outside but were forced to beat a retreat as a result of a sporadic gunshot. The nine of us inside the house escaped to a neighbour house where we met other people.

“They force themselves into the house and discovered me, my mother and other siblings hiding in a room. My mother came out and pleaded with them to kill only her and leave the rest of us. One of the attackers told the other ones in the Fulani language to shoot my mother which he did. Before she collapsed my mother was still pleading with them to spare us, they shot at her again and proceeded to kill all other persons in the house. I was hit on my leg and my mother fell on me. I pretended as I was dead but watching them.

“ They brought out the mattress in the house soaked it with petrol and also poured petrol on the chairs. They set the house on fire and locked the door behind them. The entire house was filled with smoke but I struggled to crawl out through one of the doors that was not locked.

“ I was later picked by people I don’t know and brought to this hospital. Apart from other people shot and burnt to death in the house, I lost my mummy and six siblings. God will judge, If I die or survive this wound I will not forgive them. They may be happy wherever they are now, I know their joy will soon turn to sorrow” she cursed the attackers

Apart from this,  Saturday Tribune equally learnt that virtually every family in the community was touched and presently in pain and agony. It was further learnt that almost all those who took refuge in the house of the community leader otherwise called “Mai Angwan” were killed.

A lady, Agnes Auta  22 years, who escaped with a gunshot wound now receiving treatment at Our Lady Hospital said immediately the sound of gunshots rented the air, a lot of people ran into the house of the community leader for a cover but the attackers later attacked the house.

She said:” They forced themselves into the house, shot everyone and set the house on fire. I was shot on the other leg but I held on to the book of Isaiah 43:2b which says when you walk through fire it will not hurt there” God gave me the courage I walked through the intense fire unhurt.

“There was blood all over the house, those who carried out the killings will regret it. We know them, some of them are our neighbours, we see them as neighbours but they see us as enemies. In that house, almost twenty people were killed,” she said.

Culled from the Tribune News Nigeria

Texas Guardian News
Latest posts by Texas Guardian News (see all)
Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Houston

Houston Gets a Taste of West Africa at Chef Kavachi’s ‘Art of Fufu’ Show, August 8

Published

2 months ago

on

July 30, 2025

By

When it comes to international culinary gems and cultures across the United States, the city of Houston is counted among one of the best places to experience an authentic taste of every corner of the world.

 On the evening of Friday, August 8th, Houstonians will have a chance to engage all of their senses into the world of real West African flavors at Grubido’s ‘Art of Fufu’ Food & Art Show, a free culinary and art experience taking place at Flatland Gallery (1709 Westheimer Rd.) in Montrose.

  Curated by Grubido founder and Culinary Cultural Curator Kavachi Ukegbu, the annual celebration of west African cuisine and artistry will once again open its doors to patrons to witness the delights of creating and eating Fufu (a starchy, dough-like food that is a staple in many West and Central African countries), and its delicious and diverse pairings of soups and stews that originate from various parts of the continent, and uniquely compliment the beloved food staple as a complete meal. The event will also celebrate the observance of National Fufu Day  in the United States on August 11th.

  From the process of how different types of fufu are grown and manufactured, to the careful guidance on properly preparing the fufu to be eaten, the ‘Art of Fufu’ Food & Art showcase will give patrons a full circle perspective and appreciation for the food staple that has gained global popularity on social media and in many countries around the world.

  Attendees will be treated to fufu and soup samples, live Afrobeats music, an impressive display of fufu inspired artwork and collectables from over the years, and the opportunity to purchase Grubido food products, t-shirts, and the official The Art of Fufu cookbook. Originally published and released by Chef Kavach in 2021, “The Art of Fufu is a fascinating and informative guide to fufu, one of the most delicious and beloved staple foods of West Africans.” All cookbook purchases at the event will be signed by Chef Kavachi.

Entry for this event is free to all guests, but RSVP is strictly required in advance. To RSVP for the upcoming Art of Fufu Food & Art show, please visit the official website online at www.TheArtofFufu.com, or contact Grubido at (832) 818-6847.

The Art of Fufu Cookbook is a culinary treasure that explores the flavors, techniques, and cultural significance of fufu. It is a testament to the artistry of West African cuisine and serves as a guide for those seeking to immerse themselves in this beloved dish.

For more information, please visit www.theartoffufu.com & www.artoffufu.com

Texas Guardian News
Latest posts by Texas Guardian News (see all)
Continue Reading

Houston

Video: Omambala Cultural Association in Houston Celebrates Motherhood with Joyous Igbo-Inspired Mother’s Day Event

Published

4 months ago

on

May 11, 2025

By

Texas Guardian News
Latest posts by Texas Guardian News (see all)
Continue Reading

Houston

Omambala Association in Houston Celebrates Motherhood with Joyous Mother’s Day Event

Published

4 months ago

on

May 11, 2025

By

HOUSTON, TEXAS – May 5, 2025 — The Omambala Cultural Association in Houston hosted a vibrant and heartfelt Mother’s Day celebration on Sunday evening at the Igbo Catholic Community Hall on Creekbend. The event brought together families and community members to honor the enduring strength, love, and sacrifices of mothers within the Igbo community.

Led by the association’s president, Ichelle Awkuzu, the Isaaka of Igboland, the gathering featured prayers, cultural music, dance, and speeches dedicated to celebrating motherhood. Awkuzu described the event as a moment of reflection and appreciation for mothers, emphasizing their central role in shaping families and preserving cultural values.

The association’s president, Ichelle Awkuzu, the Isaaka of Igboland, addressing the group.

 

Celebrants celebrate at the Omambala Cultural Association’s Mother’s Day celebration on Sunday evening at the Igbo Catholic Community Hall in Houston.

 

Celebrants

“Mothers are the heartbeat of our homes and the foundation of our culture,” Awkuzu said, urging attendees to honor and support mothers every day, not just on special occasions.

The celebration included lively performances of traditional Igbo music and dance, homemade meals prepared by members, and the presentation of thoughtful gifts to each mother in attendance. Vice President Chief Ugochukwu Chukwuka, known as Omemma Igbo, also delivered remarks, recognizing the vital role of mothers in nurturing future generations.

Photo from left_ Vice President of the group, Chief Ugochukwu Chukwuka – Omemma Igbo, and the President, Ichelle Awkuzu, the Isaaka of Igboland.

The evening was filled with laughter, music, and shared memories, reinforcing the communal spirit that defines the Omambala Cultural Association. Elders and youth alike participated in storytelling sessions and interactive cultural activities, creating a multigenerational experience that underscored the importance of preserving Igbo heritage. Several attendees expressed appreciation for the sense of belonging and cultural pride the event fostered.

The Omambala Cultural Association Inc. is a community-based organization representing people from the Old Anambra Local Government Area in Anambra State, Nigeria. It remains committed to promoting cultural education, unity, and socio-economic development for Igbo people in the diaspora and beyond.

Texas Guardian News
Latest posts by Texas Guardian News (see all)
Continue Reading

Trending