Jos Bomb Blast Survivor Narrates Ordeals, Calls on Communities to Show Empathy
A Jos-based bomb blast survivor, Simbi Eletiko, has recounted her painful experiences following the 2014 twin bomb explosions in Plateau State, urging other survivors living with trauma and burn scars to step forward and share their stories.
Speaking during a recent awareness initiative, Eletiko described the blast as a life-altering moment that left her battling not only physical injuries but years of emotional and psychological trauma.
“I was involved in the twin bomb blast in Jos in 2014. It’s something I would never wish on anyone,” she said.
The explosion left her with visible burn scars and deep emotional wounds that took years to confront.
Living Through Trauma and Stigma
According to Eletiko, survival came with its own struggles. Beyond the physical pain were isolation, depression, and the weight of public stigma.
“There was the trauma, the pain, the isolation. People stared. Some avoided me. It affected my confidence for years,” she revealed.
She explained that adjusting to life after the incident required immense courage and support from loved ones.
“There were moments I questioned why I survived, but later I realized that surviving meant I still had purpose,” she added.
Coping Through Faith and Support
Eletiko credited her recovery journey to faith in God, counseling, and connecting with others who understood her experience.
“It was not by my strength that I survived. It was by God’s grace,” she said. “That realization changed my mindset.”
Over time, she began to see her scars not as symbols of shame but as proof of resilience.
A Call to Fellow Survivors
Now an advocate for burn survivors, Eletiko is encouraging others who have experienced similar tragedies to speak up and seek support.
“Having a burn scar means you fought and you lived. That alone is a victory,” she stated. “You have a life to live. Walk confidently. There is still so much ahead.”
She called on communities to show empathy and understanding toward survivors, stressing that emotional healing is just as important as physical recovery.
“Let’s come together, support one another, and show love. We are survivors, and we are stronger together,” she concluded.
