Nine people killed by Fulani terrorists in Riyom were my family members – Rev Dachomo

The Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) for Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, has revealed that all the nine victims who were massacred by Fulani terrorists in an overnight attack on Kum Community in Riyom Local Government Area of the state on Saturday were members of his extended family.

Dachomo, who disclosed this while conducting a mass burial for the deceased on Monday, said it was not the first time that his family members, both nuclear and extended, had been targeted and killed by Islamist extremists since he took it upon himself to draw the attention of the world to the genocide that has been going on in the state.

He recalled that his own grandmother was killed and her heart cut out by terrorists, while one of his uncles was also butchered with his tongue cut out.

“We are here once again to conduct another mass burial for our people, and once again, all these victims are members of my family, my own blood. And they will say there is no genocide in Plateau State,” Rev. Dachomo said.

“All these people were members of my family. Kum is my second home. When I was young, I used to come here and stay with my family. Even when I repented, I used to come to Kum to pray because there is a mountain here where I used to observe quiet time.

“Now look what the Fulani Islamic extremists have done just to target me. These people were my uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews, and nieces. This is not the first time they have killed my family members. 

“The same people killed my grandmother. They removed her heart after killing her. My uncle was also killed, and they cut out his tongue. Yet they will say I am lying about genocide. But I have forgiven them. Yes, Fulani killers, I have forgiven you for this murder of my family members,” he added.

According to a field report submitted by Rev. Nehemiah Mutfwang, based on information gathered by volunteer Mr. Barnabas Tok during an on-the-spot assessment, the victims which were all members of a certain James family, were identified as Celina James (38), Yohanna James (21), Janet Yohanna (18), Jenifer Yohanna (3 months), Sele James (18), Melody James (16), Rito James (10), Endurance James (8), and Peace James (3).

According to the report, the only known survivor, Pam Yohanna, sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical attention.

The tragic attack has renewed calls for stronger security measures, accountability for perpetrators, and sustained support for victims and displaced families.