Baby Ruth Inspires Hope Among Nigeria’s Christians

A Night of Horror in Maiyanga

Ruth was born in 2021 in Maiyanga, a quiet village near Jos in Plateau State. That same year, armed Fulani militants stormed her community before dawn. The attack came suddenly, and villagers ran into the darkness as gunfire echoed across the hills.

Her mother, Hannatu, tried to escape with her two month old baby in her arms. However, she was caught by the attackers. She begged them to spare her child, but they killed her and left little Ruth crying in the mud. By morning, almost the entire family was gone. Only Ruth and her grandmother survived that dreadful night.

Rescued and Adopted by Faithful Hands

At sunrise, survivors searching the village found Ruth cold and covered in dirt but still alive. They handed her to Danjuma and Talatu John, relatives who took her in as one of their own.

Although the couple already had children, they opened their hearts and home to Ruth. “We know the value of children,” Talatu said quietly. “It has not been easy, but God has been faithful to us.”

Since then, faith has carried them through many trials. In June 2024, Talatu lost her brother in another deadly attack that claimed five relatives. Yet, she continues to trust God. “We keep our faith because everything that begins will one day end,” she said.

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A New Life in Jos

Today, the family lives in Jos, where Ruth finally has safety and stability. She now attends ECWA Primary School in Kabong. Her teacher, Regina Adu, describes her as calm, kind, and eager to learn.

“Ruth struggles a little with her lessons, probably because of her early trauma,” Adu explained. “However, she is improving each day. She is a good child with a bright future.”

At church, Ruth loves to sing hymns about God’s love. Her guardians are teaching her about forgiveness and faith. “She may not remember what happened,” Talatu said, “but we remind her that God loves her deeply.”

Faith Amid Ongoing Violence

Across Plateau, Benue, and Kaduna, many Christian families face the same hardship. Entire villages have been burned, homes destroyed, and churches reduced to ashes.

Community advocate Gata Moses says the violence is deliberate and devastating. “Many children have lost their parents and homes,” he said. “This is our reality. The world must see our pain and help us.”

Meanwhile, the Danjuma family’s biggest wish is peace and education for their children. “We pray Ruth will grow up to help others,” Talatu said. “We could not finish school, but we want her to go further.”

Healing and Hope for the Future

Thanks to Christian groups and humanitarian partners, Ruth is receiving food, clothing, and medical care. Her leg once showed signs of malnutrition, but now she is growing stronger. International Christian Concern has also supported the family, helping them keep Ruth healthy and in school.

Even so, life in Jos remains tense. Sometimes, they still hear gunfire from nearby villages. “When we hear the shots, it reminds us of those dark nights,” Talatu said. “But God has kept us this far, and we believe He will not leave us now.”

Ruth’s grandmother often visits and tells her stories about her late mother. “When she hugs me, I feel God still has a plan for us,” she said with a smile.

Faith That Never Fails

Every evening, the Danjuma family gathers to pray. They thank God for His mercy and ask for strength to keep going. Danjuma said, “We do not pray for revenge. We pray that those who attack us will find Christ. Only God can change the heart of a man.”

Their message to the world is simple: pray for peace in Nigeria. Pray for families rebuilding their lives. Pray for children like Ruth who have survived violence and still believe in love.

“May God touch the hearts of those who bring pain,” Talatu said. “One day, all tears will be wiped away.”