Jos: How survivor played dead to evade being killed

Gov Caleb

What should have been another quiet Sunday evening at Gari Ya Waye, Angwan Rukuba community, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, turned into a night of terror that survivors say will haunt them for years to come.

For residents like Jerry Bala, an artisan in the Gari Ya Waye area, the day began routinely. People went about their daily activities after returning from church, visiting neighbours, getting prepared for the next day. There was no sign of the violence that would erupt later that evening.At about 7:30 pm, the calm was broken by the sound of gunfire. At first, many residents dismissed it as a routine security operation, recalling a recent visit by officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. But as the shooting intensified, it became clear that something far more sinister was unfolding.

Gunmen had invaded the community, firing indiscriminately at residents. By the time the attack subsided, at least 28 people were feared dead, with several others critically injured. While official figures initially placed the death toll slightly lower, residents insist the number rose as some victims later died in hospital.

In the aftermath, confusion and grief gripped the community as families searched desperately for missing relatives.

Samson Bala was among those thrown into panic. He had been at his workplace at Dogon Dutse, near Angwan Rukuba when the shooting began. Speaking on behalf of his younger brother, Jerry, who now lies critically ill, Samson recalled the moment fear took hold.

“We first thought it might be a routine operation from NDLEA,” he said. “But when the gunshots continued, we knew something was wrong.”

Driven by concern, he made his way towards Angwan Rukuba in search of his brother and what he encountered was a scene of devastation.

“I saw bodies on the ground. Some were people I knew, others I didn’t,” he said. “When I couldn’t find my brother, I came back the next day and was told he had been taken to hospital.”