“We Are Not Cowards, Let Us Carry Weapons” – Plateau Youths Plead with Security Agencies

Plateau youths have urged security agencies to allow them to carry weapons to defend their communities against attacks by bandits and Fulani militias. The appeal was made on Sunday in Jos by a coalition of youth groups under the banner “Concerned Plateau Youths” (CPY).

Speaking at a press briefing, CPY Coordinator Gershon Auta emphasized that the youths are law-abiding citizens who do not wish to take the law into their own hands. He said permitting them to bear arms would significantly reduce violent attacks and invasions in rural communities.

“Youths in Plateau State are not cowards. We are prepared to confront the Fulani militias and bandits who attack our communities, kill our people, and occupy our lands,” Auta said. He noted that while many perceive Plateau youths as passive, they have the capacity to defend their communities but are restricted by legal constraints.

Auta questioned why militias and herdsmen are able to access sophisticated weapons, while youths trying to procure arms legally face resistance from authorities. He said attempts to use locally made guns for self-defense have often resulted in arrests by security forces.

He recounted an incident in Bokkos Local Government Area, where youths pooled resources to buy local guns to fend off attackers. The following day, soldiers from Jos arrested several youths, branding them criminals and armed robbers. Some of those arrested remain missing, raising fears for their safety.

Auta called for the immediate release of the detained youths or for them to be formally charged in court, stressing that communities under attack cannot defend themselves when their defenders are criminalized.