By Our Reporter
A mother who lost her child on the Palm Sunday attack in Plateau State, Mrs Favour Ayuba, has invoked the imagery of the biblical warrior Gideon while mourning her son, Promise, who was killed during a recent attack.
In a viral video that has stirred widespread reactions, the distraught mother was seen placing a cutlass into her son’s coffin, urging him in emotional words to “avenge” his death.
The incident followed the March 29 Palm Sunday attack in the Angwan Rukuba area of Jos North Local Government Area, where gunmen reportedly killed at least 24 residents and left many others injured.
Speaking in a trembling voice amid visible grief, Mrs Ayuba lamented the loss of her son, revealing she had not eaten since the day of the attack. Clutching the weapon wrapped in white cloth, she addressed the lifeless body, calling on him to rise symbolically against those responsible for his death.
“I named you Promise Gideon Ayuba,” she said. “Gideon went to war and returned victorious. I trust you… avenge your death.
“If you want me to forget, baby, avenge your death. I carried you in my womb for nine months; you suckled at my breast. Baby, I trust you revenge for me, revenge for me. Please, wherever they are, follow them and avenge your death.”
Speaking amid intermittent sobbing in the background of the video, Mrs Ayuba made reference to the biblical story of Gideon, who went to war and returned victorious.
“Today (Thursday) is your birthday. I am grateful to God that today is your birthday, baby. You don’t like seeing me in tears, and I will not weep for you. Baby, I have not eaten since Sunday.
“I am begging you, because you have not warmed food for me to eat, but from today I promise you I will eat. I have a gift for you, baby. I trust you; I named you Promise Gideon Ayuba. Gideon in the Bible went to war and came back victorious,” she added.
The symbolic act, though deeply personal, has sparked conversations about grief, justice, and the psychological toll of recurring attacks on communities in the region.
Security agencies have continued efforts to address the spate of violence, while community leaders call for calm and restraint amid rising tensions.