Worried by the persistent insecurity bedevilling communities like Bible Faith, Rafinfa and Laranto, some women joined the fight against criminal activities and social vices across Jos, the Plateau State capital. These fighters are known as the female vigilantes of Plateau State. The group, comprising both Christians and Muslims, came together to contribute its quota to peace building in the community, saying the initiative became necessary to tackle violence, theft, drug abuse, prostitution and other crimes threatening peace and security in their neighbourhoods. They also noted that early intervention was key to preventing disputes from escalating. Some of the female vigilantes, who said they were only equipped with canes and sticks, and without pay, patrol the community to ensure peace and harmony, as well as uphold moral standards among residents and visitors. They narrated their experiences to Weekend Trust. One of the vigilantes, Hamma Usman, an indigene of Rafinfa said, “During operations, some people call us names, insisting that what we do is not a job for women. But for us, it is about maintaining peace in the communities.” Last moments of brothers swept away by flood Mary Habila: What went wrong? Hamma said she had witnessed every major crisis that happened in Jos and didn’t wish that anyone would experience the situation. “At my age, I have witnessed all the crises that have occurred in Jos and realised that no one has benefitted from them. That’s why Christian and Muslim women came together to form this group to fight social vices. We are working together as one. “No one has gained from the crises. Our children are growing and seeing all these. We cannot continue to face these challenges without doing anything. That’s why we created this group to unite Christian and Muslim communities and fight the crimes bedevilling our areas,” she said. Narrating how they operate, she said they would patrol with men during the day but return home at night because they have children to care for, striking a balance between housework and security service. The 52-year-old widow and mother of five told Weekend Trust that they are volunteers; hence they are not paid by anyone or organisation, adding, however, that she works in a non-governmental organisation. Another member of the female vigilante group, Blessing Solomi Samuel, 30, a single young woman from Apata community who works as a security guard in an organisation, said she joined the group because petty crimes often snowballed into larger crises and killings. “Stealing, fighting and other social vices often result in crises and killings. I decided to join to help curtail and prevent small crises from becoming big ones. We operate jointly with both faiths because when we encounter criminals who are Muslims, they feel relaxed when they see Muslim female vigilantes. The same applies to Christians. It is easier to operate with members of both faiths. “I join men to patrol at night. Sometimes we meet underage children returning from places they shouldn’t be. In the case of young women, we call them, sit them down and talk to them about their problems if they have any. Young women often open up to their fellow women rather than men,” she noted. Aishatu Musa, 35, a mother of four now in her third year in the group, said her commitment was driven by the desire to secure the future of their children, who are often both victims and perpetrators. She said, “Whatever happens, the women bear the brunt. That is why we joined forces to fight criminality within our areas. My husband encouraged me to join, believing it is a community service that benefits everyone and one that one would be remembered for, even after death.” Aishatu, a petty trader, said part of their duties involved going from hotel to hotel rescuing girls engaged in prostitution and drug abuse, counselling them and reuniting them with their families. In cases involving women, she noted: “Besides, there are situations involving female suspects where women are required to participate fully. We enter houses where men are not allowed. This has helped us effectively handle cases involving women.” They have stabilised communities – Residents Residents of the affected communities described the efforts of the women as bold and commendable, noting that since the formation of the vigilante group, criminal activities, especially those involving women, have reduced significantly in the affected areas. According to them, the presence of the women has restored confidence and a sense of security the community lacked. Noting that the group is doing well, Peace Desmond, a resident said, “I once saw them and wanted to run because I thought they were like other security operatives, but I later understood their work. They are doing a great job. We want them to continue. Their presence makes us feel safe, especially at night.” Another resident, Khalid Musa, commended the ef
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