The Regional Chairman of Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, has said that residents, particularly in rural communities, are prepared to defend themselves against any potential attacks by Islamist extremists and armed bandits following alleged threats of renewed violence after the Muslim Ramadan fasting period.
His comments come amid disturbing social media posts in which some individuals allegedly vowed to intensify attacks on Plateau communities after the fasting period, citing recent killings in Riyom and Barkin Ladi local government areas.
Reacting in a post shared on his X handle on Tuesday, the cleric stated that although previous attacks had left residents vulnerable, communities were now taking proactive measures to anticipate and respond to any fresh attempts at violence.
He wrote, “The Islamist terrorists said that after their fasting, they would come for us and resume the killings.
“But this time, we will be ready for them. They have already brought in more armed Fulani mercenaries from Sokoto and other states to fight and kill us.”
Rev. Dachomo further maintained that rural communities in Plateau State, particularly those predominantly inhabited by Christians, could no longer afford to remain passive in the face of threats. He expressed concerns over what he described as inadequate protection from security agencies, stressing the need for residents to take steps to safeguard their lives and property.
Security authorities in the state have yet to officially respond to the alleged threats circulating on social media.