A wave of grief and anger has swept through Jos following a viral video showing a bereaved mother, Mrs Favour Ayuba, placing a cutlass in the coffin of her son and urging him to avenge his death.
The emotional scene, which has sparked widespread reactions across Nigeria, comes in the wake of a deadly attack that took place on March 29, during Palm Sunday, in the Angwan Rukuba area of Jos North Local Government Area.
At least 24 people were reportedly killed when gunmen, suspected to be terrorists, attacked residents in the community. Several others were injured, while families were left mourning loved ones.
In the now widely shared video, Mrs Ayuba, speaking in Hausa and visibly distressed, addressed her late son, Promise, whose life was cut short during the attack.
Clutching a cutlass wrapped in white cloth, she placed it inside his coffin as part of what many have described as a symbolic act driven by grief and helplessness.
Her words, filled with sorrow, reflected the deep pain of losing a child under violent circumstances.
“I carried you for nine months, you fed from me. If you want me to forget, avenge your death,” she said, her voice breaking as she spoke.
She also revealed that she had not eaten since the day of the attack, showing the emotional and physical toll the tragedy has taken on her.
The video has drawn mixed reactions, with some Nigerians expressing sympathy for the grieving mother, while others worry about the message of revenge in a region already struggling with cycles of violence.
The incident in Angwan Rukuba is the latest in a series of violent attacks that have affected parts of Plateau State over the years.
Plateau has long experienced clashes involving armed groups, often linked to ethnic, religious, and land disputes. These conflicts have led to repeated loss of lives and destruction of property, leaving many communities living in fear.
Residents said the Palm Sunday attack came without warning, as gunmen stormed the area and opened fire on civilians. The choice of the day, a significant date in the Christian calendar, has further deepened the shock and anger among locals.
Security agencies have yet to give full details of the attackers, but efforts are said to be ongoing to track down those responsible.
In her emotional speech, Mrs Ayuba also made reference to the biblical figure Gideon, drawing strength from the story of a man who went to war and returned victorious.
She noted that her son’s full name, Promise Gideon Ayuba, carried that meaning, expressing hope that justice would somehow be served.
“Gideon went to war and came back victorious,” she said, as she tried to connect her son’s identity to courage and triumph, even in death.
The moment was particularly touching as she also mentioned that the day of the burial coincided with her son’s birthday, adding another layer of sadness to the tragedy.
The killings in Jos have once again brought national attention to the security challenges in Plateau State and other parts of Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
Over the years, the region has witnessed repeated outbreaks of violence, often leading to reprisals and further bloodshed. Many observers warn that statements or actions that suggest revenge could worsen an already tense situation.
Community leaders and peace advocates have continued to call for calm, urging residents not to take the law into their own hands.
They stress the importance of allowing security agencies to carry out investigations and ensure that those behind the attacks are brought to justice.
The latest incident has also renewed calls for stronger action from both the state and federal governments to protect lives and property.
Residents say more needs to be done to prevent attacks, including improved intelligence gathering, quicker response from security forces, and better support for affected communities.
Human rights groups have also highlighted the need for justice, noting that failure to hold perpetrators accountable often encourages further violence.
For many families like that of Mrs Ayuba, justice is not just about punishment, but also about closure and healing.
In Angwan Rukuba and surrounding areas, the mood remains tense as families bury their dead and care for the injured.
The image of a grieving mother placing a cutlass in her son’s coffin has become a powerful symbol of the pain felt by many in the community.
While her words reflect personal grief, they also highlight the deep frustration of people who feel unsafe and unprotected.
As Plateau State continues to grapple with insecurity, many hope that this tragic event will lead to renewed efforts to restore peace and prevent further loss of life.