December 24, 2023, will forever be etched in the memories of residents of Fat Makada, Bokkos, in Plateau State as one of the darkest days in recent history.
What began as a quiet and peaceful morning, with families preparing for the Christmas celebration, quickly turned into a harrowing ordeal of fear, destruction, and loss.
According to eyewitnesses, the serenity of the community was shattered by sudden screams and the sound of heavy gunfire.
Armed men, dressed in camouflage caps and boots, stormed the area, opening fire indiscriminately and setting homes ablaze.
The attack, which lasted for nearly six hours, left many dead and scores of families homeless.
Survivors described the attackers as “daredevil” assailants who showed no mercy.
“It was like a nightmare I never wish to experience again,” one resident recounted, recalling the chaos and terror that engulfed the town.
Residents have raised serious concerns about the failure of security agencies to respond promptly to the attack.
Despite desperate calls for help, no assistance came from the police, army, civil defense, or vigilante groups throughout the prolonged assault.
Community leaders are calling on the government to launch a comprehensive investigation into the incident, which many believe was a well-coordinated assault.
“We cannot have security forces at our disposal and still be left defenseless in times like this,” one resident lamented.
As Fat Makada mourns its dead and counts its losses, the community is left with haunting memories of a Christmas that turned into a tragedy, pleading for justice and better protection from future attacks.