Plateau State Clergy Raises Alarm Over Brutal Hospital Attack by Suspected Fulani Bandits

Suspected Fulani bandits attacked a hospital in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, allegedly abducting and sexually assaulting Christian girls on admission. The attackers, heavily armed with AK-47 rifles, swords, and machetes, stormed the facility, dragging the girls out of their sickbeds and holding them at gunpoint for over eight hours before releasing them. Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Barkin Ladi, condemned the assault as "barbaric and heartbreaking," highlighting the traumatic experience of the victims.

Key Takeaways:

• The attack on the hospital in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State involved suspected Fulani bandits who allegedly abducted and sexually assaulted Christian girls on admission.
• The attackers were heavily armed with AK-47 rifles, swords, and machetes and stormed the facility, dragging the girls out of their sickbeds.
• The girls were held at gunpoint for over eight hours and repeatedly raped before being released.
• The attack has been described as "barbaric and heartbreaking" by Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Barkin Ladi.
• The incident has reignited public scrutiny of the response by religious and political leaders to worsening insecurity.
• Security agencies in Plateau State have yet to issue a formal statement confirming the hospital attack, and civil society organizations are calling for a transparent investigation.
• Reverend Dachomo has also raised the alarm over threats to his life following his continued outcry.
• The attack highlights a disturbing rise in kidnappings and forced sexual violence targeting Christian women and girls in Northern Nigeria.

Statistics:

• At least eight hours duration of the abduction and sexual violence against the Christian girls.
• 100% confirmation of the hospital attack by Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo.
• 0 formal statements from security agencies in Plateau State confirming the hospital attack.
• Unknown number of victims still in captivity, including Leah Sharibu.
• Unknown number of cases of kidnappings and forced sexual violence targeting Christian women and girls in Northern Nigeria.

Sources:

• Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo's Facebook page, where he posted a video detailing the hospital attack.
• Nneoma Aniebonam, Source citizen journalist, for the report on the widespread calls for justice and action from many Nigerians.
• Unnamed security experts warning of a broader pattern of terror across the North, referenced by Associated Press.