ABUJA, April 3 (Xinhua) -- A grieving Nigerian mother has captured national attention after delivering an emotional farewell to her slain son in a viral video, underscoring the outrage and calls for justice following a recent deadly attack in central Nigeria.
In the widely circulated footage on social media, Rhoda Favor-Ayuba is seen addressing her son, Promise Ayuba, whose body lay in an open coffin during his burial. Through tears, she unties her wrapper, retrieves a concealed machete, and places it in his hands, saying "go in search of your killers and strike them to death."
Ayuba was among the victims of a March 29 attack on residents of Angwan Rukuba, a community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, where dozens were killed and many others injured.
"I named you Promise because I believed you would outlive me. Now that you have been killed in this manner, you hold the promise of fighting for justice," Favor-Ayuba said. She had earlier drawn widespread attention in the immediate aftermath of the attack, appearing in viral images and videos as she clutched her son's body in grief, hoping he would come back to life.
The assault is the latest in a series of violent incidents in Plateau State, long considered a flashpoint of insecurity in Nigeria's central region. According to local officials and witnesses, gunmen wearing military-style camouflage stormed Angwan Rukuba in a red bus on Sunday, opening fire and attacking residents and shop owners with machetes without warning.
While such violence has historically been concentrated in rural communities, this attack marks a shift, targeting a densely populated urban area and heightening fears among residents that "no place is safe anymore."
Known as the "Home of Peace and Tourism," Plateau State has long prided itself on its scenic landscapes and temperate climate. Located in Nigeria's central belt, the state sits at the intersection of the predominantly Muslim north and the largely Christian south. Over the years, the region has witnessed recurring violence linked to communal disputes, farmer-herder conflicts and ethno-religious tensions.
The latest attack claimed the lives of women and children, including a pregnant woman, prompting widespread condemnation and renewed calls for lasting peace in the troubled region.
"We are crying for peace, but more importantly, we are crying for justice," said Joshua Yohanna, an injured survivor. "These killings must end now. We are calling on the government to come to our aid. Enough is enough!"
Beyond the immediate loss of life, the attack has disrupted daily life and economic activity. Authorities imposed a 48-hour curfew to restore order, which has since been eased.
During a visit to Jos on Thursday, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu ordered security agencies to track down those responsible and pledged stronger collaboration with stakeholders to break the cycle of violence and restore lasting peace in Plateau State.
While consoling bereaved families, Tinubu vowed to prevent further attacks, end the killings and advance peacebuilding efforts. He also announced plans to deploy more than 5,000 artificial intelligence-enabled surveillance cameras across the state.
"No amount of money can bring back the dead, but the federal government will do its best to comfort the bereaved, walk with them and provide necessary assistance," the president said at a meeting with affected families.
"Rhoda, I feel your pain, but no matter what we say, we cannot bring Ayuba back," he added, pledging justice for all. ■
