The family of Pastor Olanrewaju Samson Ogunsanmi has been plunged into despair after the 39-year-old pastor, his wife, Christianah Temitayo, and their three children went missing following a violent religious attack on their home in Majorta Community, Bokko Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The devastating assault occurred on December 24, 2023, during which their house and the church where Pastor Ogunsanmi served as an assistant pastor were set ablaze by thugs suspected to be Muslim extremists.
Mr. John Ogunsanmi, the brother of the victim, told reporters that the safety and whereabouts of pastor Olanrewaju, his wife Temitayo, and their three children remain unknown days after the attack.
“My brother’s house was attacked by fanatics during the religious violence that broke out on Christmas Eve,” John Ogunsanmi said. “Both his home and the church he served in were completely burnt down. Since that night, we have not been able to contact him or his family
“The relevant security operatives are aware of our predicament and they have pledged to help us locate our brother and his family. But we also urge the police and other security agencies to investigate this heinous attack and bring perpetrators to book in the interest of justice”
The Christmas Eve assault shocked the entire Majorta Community, as many residents fled for their lives amid the flames and chaos. Eyewitnesses reported seeing armed men set fire to homes and churches, while the Ogunsanmi family was caught in the crossfire.
Security forces have been deployed to the area to prevent further attacks, but fear still lingers among the residents of Majorta and surrounding communities.
Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN) and civil society organisations have condemned the continuous attack on Christian communities in the northern region and the country as a whole, sue for peace, religious tolerance, and coexistence. Calling on the government and the security agents to do more to protect vulnerable communities and residents from such violence.