A prominent cleric, Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, has strongly instructed Christian youths in crisis-hit areas of Plateau State to arm themselves for self-defense. The order comes as a direct response to the December 2023 massacres where over 200 people were killed by armed attackers, suspected to be Fulani militias, across Bokkos and Barkin Ladi areas.
Rev. Dachomo, a regional chairman for the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Barkin Ladi, made the call in a video message on Sunday. He argued that since the government and security forces have repeatedly failed to protect the people, communities must now organize their own defense.
This advice follows an earlier warning from Dachomo two weeks ago that he had received information about planned attacks during the Christmas season.
In his urgent message, Rev. Dachomo issued a clear instruction to the youth:
“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 because the government has consistently denied that a “Christian genocide” and “war of land occupation” are taking place, youths in rural communities must rise to protect their homes and lands.
The cleric emphasized that prayers are not enough. He encouraged people to take practical steps by organizing vigilante groups and providing 24-hour security for their areas.
“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.
