A group of women in Jos, Plateau State, have formed an all-female vigilante outfit to confront violence, theft, and drug-related crimes.
In a video posted by Reuters on Tuesday, and seen by First Daily correspondent on Wednesday, the women said they were compelled to act following what they described as repeated failures of government security promises.
Our correspondent gathered that the group was created as a grassroots effort to contribute to the safety and stability of their communities.
Armed only with whips and their identification cards, the women patrol local neighbourhoods, boldly confronting suspected drug dealers and petty criminals.
The group leader, identified as Blessing Ngozi Emmanuel, in the video, said their presence has begun to yield results.
The group’s leader was quoted as saying, “We have been able to help reduce thefts, taking of drugs and other vices.”
The vigilante team currently comprises about 20 women from both Muslim and Christian backgrounds, reflecting a rare show of unity across religious lines in a region often marked by tension.
They conduct nightly patrols between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m., focusing on areas they consider most vulnerable to crime.
Some members have reportedly been injured during operations, while others have received threats.
In the video clip, one member said she was warned that she could be made to “disappear” if she continued her involvement.
Despite these dangers, the women insist their mission is strictly to support community security, not to replace formal law enforcement.
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They also expressed frustration over the lack of official recognition or support, noting that it was only weeks ago that local government officials visited them, despite months of active operations.
Jos is not the only area in Plateau State struggling with insecurity. In February, survivors described a deadly incident in Barkin Ladi, where suspected Berom militias reportedly intercepted a commercial vehicle.
They allegedly pulled out five passengers and killed them.
The attack was said to have taken place along the Nding axis, just hours after another violent attack in Ratatis community, where seven people were reportedly killed by suspected armed bandits.
One survivor, Abdulazeez Ibrahim, who lives in Gangare, recounted that the victims, who were Hausa traders travelling to Pankshin for business, were stopped and attacked.