Survivors of Tuesday’s attack by a group of Muslim youth over establishment of pork joints in Yumbe Town have narrated their harrowing experiences.
Mr Boniface Aniku, who operates a pork joint, told the Monitor that the violence erupted while he was away in Terego District. He learnt about the chaos through a WhatsApp group and immediately rushed home, worried about his family.
‘I returned around midday and within 10 minutes, over 40 youth armed with pangas, spears, bows, arrows and clubs surrounded my home,’ he said. ‘Two jumped over the wall fence as others broke the gate. They asked if we were Christians or Muslims. We kept quiet,’ he added. The attackers looted nearly everything-motorcycle, phones, TV screen, computers, mattresses, clothes, utensils, and car keys. ‘We gave them whatever they wanted to save our lives. It was terrifying, but I’m grateful we survived,’ Mr Aniku said.
The violent protests were reportedly sparked by an inflammatory statement made by Sheikh Kassim Abdalla, who allegedly urged followers to destroy all pork joints in Yumbe Town. Ms Mary Abijo, another victim, said she was attacked while returning home after closing her shop due to the unrest. ‘A man with a big club started chasing me. As I reached a neighbour’s home, two others joined in and beat me on the back and head until I lost consciousness,’ she recounted.
Mr Nelson Amatre, also assaulted during the chaos, said the violence began early in the morning. ‘I heard people shouting and blowing whistles, others riding motorcycles at high speed,’ he said. ‘Later, messages spread that Sheikh Kassim had been arrested, triggering more protests. Security fired bullets in the air, but the youth advanced toward my home.’ He said the attackers surrounded him and began beating him. ‘One threw a brick, another hit my arm with a log, and another struck my cheek. I sustained injuries and X-rays later showed my jaw was cracked,’ Mr Amatre said.
The North West Police spokesperson, Mr Collins Asea, confirmed that eight people were injured and are receiving treatment. Five suspects were arrested during the unrest. On Thursday morning, another group attempted to protest for the release of the suspects, but security personnel swiftly dispersed them.