From Tragedy to Testimony: The Story of Baby Ruth

‘Baby Ruth’: A Little Survivor Who Still Inspires Nigerian Christians

Five years ago, a tiny infant named Ruth became a living reminder of God’s mercy in the middle of unimaginable pain. Today, “Baby Ruth”, once pulled from the mud after a brutal attack, continues to inspire Christians across Nigeria with her story of survival, faith, and forgiveness.

A Night of Fire and Tears

In 2021, Maiyanga, a quiet farming village northwest of Jos in Plateau State, woke up to horror. Heavily armed Fulani militants stormed the community before dawn, setting homes ablaze and shooting anyone who tried to escape. Amid the chaos, a young mother named Hannatu clutched her two-month-old baby, Ruth, and fled toward a nearby river.

But the attackers caught up with her. In her final moments, Hannatu begged for her baby’s life. They tore the child from her arms, killed the mother, and left the infant crying in the mud. By sunrise, dozens were dead, including several of Ruth’s relatives. Miraculously, the baby survived.

Rescued from the Ashes

When survivors returned to the village that morning, they found little Ruth cold, covered in mud, but alive. She was taken in by her aunt, Talatu Danjuma, and her husband, Danjuma John, a local builder in Jos. Already parents of their own children, the Danjumas chose love over fear.

“We know the importance of children,” Talatu said. “It hasn’t been easy, but we believe God will continue to guide us.”

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Their home became a haven of healing. Despite grief and poverty, faith bound the family together. When the Danjumas lost more relatives in another attack in 2024, they refused to give in to bitterness.

“We pray not for revenge,” Danjuma said. “We pray for forgiveness, for the attackers to find Christ. Only God can change the heart of a man.”

Growing Through Grace

Now five years old, Ruth lives safely in Jos and attends ECWA Primary School, Kabong. Her teacher, Mrs. Regina Adu, calls her a gentle and curious child.

“Ruth is calm and kind,” she said. “She struggles a bit with her studies, probably because of trauma, but she’s improving. She’s learning to write neatly and loves to sing hymns about God’s love.”

Her caregivers say Ruth enjoys Sunday school and often leads songs like “Jesus Loves Me.” Though too young to remember her past, she’s learning about God’s faithfulness through the love surrounding her.

“She may not understand everything,” Talatu said, “but we remind her every day that God loves her deeply.”

Faith in a Land of Fire

Ruth’s story reflects the larger struggle of Christians in Nigeria’s Middle Belt — a region torn by years of religious violence. Communities in Plateau, Benue, and Kaduna have endured repeated attacks by Fulani extremists. Entire villages are wiped out, churches burned, and countless children left orphaned.

Gata Moses, a community advocate, says Ruth’s survival is both rare and symbolic.

“Many children have lived through the same terror. Their parents were murdered, their homes destroyed, and the government stays silent. Ruth’s story shows that hope still lives — even in suffering.”

Through the help of International Christian Concern (ICC) and local believers, Ruth and her guardians receive food, school support, and medical care. Yet, the fear of violence still lingers.

“Sometimes we hear gunshots from nearby villages,” Talatu admitted. “It reminds us of those dark days. But we trust God for protection. He has brought us this far, and He won’t abandon us now.”

Hope That Refuses to Die

Ruth’s grandmother, one of the few survivors of the Maiyanga massacre, visits often. “When she calls me ‘Mama’ and smiles,” the old woman said, “I know God still has a purpose for us.”

Through pain and perseverance, Ruth’s life shines as a quiet testimony of grace. Her story reminds Christians everywhere that faith can survive even the fiercest fire — and that God’s love is stronger than hate.

“We’ve lost so much,” said Danjuma. “But Christ is with us. One day, all tears will be wiped away.”

Until then, Baby Ruth’s smile continues to preach a powerful truth: no weapon formed against God’s children can destroy His plan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Content Credit | Olaoluwa Ayomide

Image Credit | persecution.org