Plateau killings: Brave Imam hides 262 Christians in mosque from killer herdsmen

A kind-hearted and brave Muslim cleric has saved about 262 persons fleeing from some suspected herdsmen who had invaded Nghar Yelwa village in the Barkin Ladi local government area of Plateau state. Imam did this by hiding the persons in a mosque.

Upon seeing victims fleeing from suspected herdsmen who attacked Nghar Yelwa, a village in Plateau state on Sunday, June 24, an unnamed Imam opened the door of a mosque and hid them.

Amounting to about 262, the persons were running for safety from a neighbouring village in the Barkin Ladi local government area, which was being attacked by gunmen. Although police report claim that only 86 persons died after the attack, villagers insist that the death toll rose beyond 200 victims.

READ ALSO: Boko Haram: Recruitment of children for attacks decreased in 2017 - UN

Speaking to Dooshima Abu, a BBC correspondent, concerning the development, the kind-hearted Islamic cleric said: "I hid the women in my personal house and after that, I took the men into the mosque and hid them there"

However, the attackers caught up with the Imam, forcefully demanding him to release to them those who are Christians in the mosque. But the cleric lied to the gang that everyone in the mosque were Muslims. Upon hearing this, the attackers left the Imam and went on with their killing spree elsewhere.

According to newsmen, the mosque is now the home and refuge of those hidden by the Imam. Other Berom natives, including some Muslims residing in Barkin Ladi who escaped the attack, ran to Nghar Yelwa for safety, which is the nearest village.

For security reasons, the photograph of the said Muslim cleric was blurred by officials of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

PAY ATTENTION: Get the Latest Nigerian News Anywhere 24/7. Spend less on the Internet!

Before now, the Muslim community in the area were in need of where they could build a mosque, and in a gesture of kindness, the Berom natives offered them a piece of land for the same purpose free of charge.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that President Muhammadu Buhari had described Saturday, June 23, killing in Barkin Ladi local government area of Plateau state as painful.

Expressing regret over the killings, he vowed that his administration would not rest until the murderers and sponsors are brought to justice.

Reacting through his official Twitter handle hours after the reported killings, President Buhari said the incident is “very painful and regrettable.’’

Benue Elders Speak on Herdsmen Attacks | Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit.ng