To prevent a recurrence of the December 2023 massacre, in which over 200 people were killed in simultaneous attacks across 17 rural communities in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State between the 23rd and 25th by armed men suspected to be Fulani militias, outspoken clergy, Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, has stated that he and some community leaders have instructed Christian youths in crisis-prone areas to take measures to defend themselves.
Rev. Dachomo, the regional chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations, COCIN, in Barkin Ladi LGA, made the call in a video message on Sunday, asserting that since the government and security agencies have failed to fulfil their responsibility to protect the people, communities must rise and organise their own defence.
The advice follows an earlier warning from Dachomo two weeks ago, when he claimed to have privileged information that terrorists and bandits had finalised plans to attack some communities during the Christmas season.
In the message, Rev. Dachomo said: “All youths, this is a command, not advice. I’m commanding you to wake up and defend the weak old people, women who are pregnant, defend the widows, and stand with their blood to defend the land.”
He added that, given the government’s repeated denial of what he has consistently described as “ongoing Christian genocide” and a war of land occupation, in which many innocent people—including members of his own church—have been killed, youths in rural communities, particularly in Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Bassa, and Mangu LGAs, must rise to defend their lands.
He further stated that, in addition to prayers, people should take proactive measures by organising vigilante groups and providing round-the-clock security for their communities.
“Yes, praying against attacks is good, but beyond that, there should be practical involvement in self-defense, even joining a local civilian-watch organization,” he added.
‘We have told youths to rise, defend themselves’ – Rev Dachomo
‘We have told youths to rise, defend themselves’ – Rev Dachomo
