The recurring narrative that armed youths in Plateau State are merely “defending themselves” has again come under scrutiny following the arrest of a suspected Berom militia member found in possession of a locally fabricated rifle in Barkin Ladi.
Security observers say the latest recovery further exposes what they describe as a growing network of organized militias operating under the guise of community protection, despite repeated links to violent attacks, ambushes and illegal arms production across parts of Plateau State.
The controversy intensified after comments credited to the President of the Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM), Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, who has consistently defended the activities of armed youths as acts of self-defense amid recurring communal tensions in the state.
However, security sources argue that the pattern of violence tells a different story.
According to the sources, several armed groups operating in affected communities have allegedly evolved beyond local vigilante structures into coordinated militias accused of carrying out night attacks, highway ambushes, cattle rustling and assaults on security personnel, including troops deployed for peacekeeping operations.
The latest suspect arrested in Barkin Ladi was reportedly found with a locally fabricated rifle similar to weapons earlier recovered by troops of Operation Enduring Peace during raids on illegal arms manufacturing camps allegedly linked to militia elements in Plateau.
Analysts warn that the continued justification of illegal weapons possession under the banner of “community defense” risks deepening insecurity and normalizing armed violence in the state.
They noted that while communities have legitimate security concerns, the proliferation of unauthorized firearms and local arms factories only fuels cycles of retaliation and undermines ongoing peace efforts.
Observers also questioned how sophisticated locally fabricated rifles and organized armed cells can continually emerge from rural settlements if they are merely intended for neighborhood protection.
For many residents affected by the prolonged crisis, the issue is no longer about self-defense rhetoric, but the growing fear that heavily armed militias are becoming entrenched across Plateau’s troubled communities.
Source:@ZagazolaMakama
About The Author
