Report: How Christian tricycle operator helped Muslim victim escape Plateau attack

Muhammad Ibrahim, one of the victims of the attack in Jos North LGA of Plateau state, says he was rescued by a Christian tricycle driver.

About 90 travellers were attacked on Saturday while on their way to Ondo state, after attending an Islamic function in Bauchi.

The incident resulted in the death of 22 people while 14 others sustained injuries.

Eight of the travellers are said to be missing.

According to Daily Trust, Ibrahim, who was on one of the buses, said the tricycle operator helped disguise him with a face cap, drove him away from the scene and took him to Jos Central Mosque.

“When we arrived Gada-Biyu area, there was traffic and we thought it was the normal traffic but before we knew it, people from all angles started stoning us and there was no way we could drive further because they had surrounded our busses and they were many,” Ibrahim said.

“The area was congested, I don’t know how I came out of the bus but I was on the ground and they were hitting me with stones then I remember a tricycle operator whom I believe is a Christian asked me to quickly jump in, and he drove off.”

Another survivor identified as Ibrahim Jibril said he was able to escape and hide in a nearby bush.

Jubril said from where he was hidden, he saw some youths attack and kill some of his travelling companions.

“Everyone ran for cover during the attack and fortunately for me, I ran into the bush. Moments later, I heard the siren and knew that security agents had arrived. Realizing the area had become safe for me, I ran out of the bush and headed for the soldiers who stopped their vehicle and quickly rescued me,” Jubril said.

Alkali Baba, inspector-general of police, has ordered the deployment of a police intervention team to the state.

The police said 20 suspects have been arrested in relation to the attack.

Editor’s note: The featured image was used for illustrative purposes.