The Nigerian Army has warned that the growing trend of communities taking up self-defence against rival groups is compounding the security crisis in Plateau State rather than resolving it.
As reported by Daily Trust, Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Major General MA Etsy Ndagi, raised the concern during a media chat in Jos, stressing that the approach has failed to yield any positive outcome and has instead intensified tensions across affected communities.
Plateau has witnessed recurring violence since 2001, with frequent clashes resulting in deaths, injuries and widespread displacement.
Despite calls from some groups for community-based self-defence to stem incessant attacks, Etsy Ndagi said the conflict between farming and herding groups has evolved into a cycle of reprisals, with both sides involved in attacks and counter-attacks.
He said the military is focusing on recovering all weapons, including locally fabricated arms, from individuals found in possession of them.
According to Major General Etsy Ndagi, “To ensure the security of lives and property, we have to ensure everyone is disarmed and nobody fabricates weapons, so as to give way to peace.
“The situation involves farmers and herders accusing each other of attacks, with farmers alleging farm destruction and herders alleging cattle rustling. It’s a circle of violence. We don’t condone communities defending themselves, but we protect traumatized communities and give them support,” he added.
He urged residents to embrace peaceful coexistence and work closely with security agencies to sustain stability, noting that peace remains essential for the state’s progress.
The senior officer restated the Army’s commitment to addressing insecurity in Plateau and other troubled parts of the country.