Rev Ezekiel Dachomo, a prominent cleric and regional chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations in Barkin Ladi, has again raised alarm over rising insecurity in Plateau State. He revealed that he and other community leaders have asked Christian youths across vulnerable communities to take steps to protect themselves from renewed attacks.
His message comes as memories of the tragic events of December 2023 remain fresh. More than two hundred people were killed in coordinated attacks that swept through seventeen rural communities in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi between the twenty third and twenty fifth of that month. The incidents were blamed on armed groups suspected to be Fulani militias.
In a video message shared on Sunday, Rev Dachomo declared that the government and security agencies have failed in their duty to safeguard communities that repeatedly come under siege. He stressed that residents should no longer rely solely on state protection but must take deliberate measures to secure their homes and farmlands.
According to him, this latest call is consistent with warnings he issued two weeks earlier, when he claimed to have received sensitive information suggesting that terrorists and bandits were planning fresh assaults during the Christmas season.
Speaking firmly, he said, “All youths, this is not advice. I am instructing you to rise and defend the weak, defend the elderly, protect women who are pregnant, protect the widows, and defend your land with every sense of responsibility.”
Rev Dachomo further noted that the continuous denial of what he describes as an ongoing assault on Christians and a battle over land ownership has left several communities defenceless. He lamented that many innocent residents, including members of his church, have lost their lives in the violence.
He emphasised that youths in districts such as Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Bassa and Mangu must stay alert and be ready to protect their families and neighbourhoods.
While acknowledging the importance of prayer, he insisted that communities must also take practical steps. He encouraged the formation of organised vigilante groups and the establishment of community based security arrangements that operate round the clock.
“Prayers are essential, but people must also participate in community defence and join local watch groups where necessary,” he added.
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