Plateau Amazons Re-emerge After Bokkos Massacre

In a heightened display of frustration, enraged women of Bokkos LGA of Plateau State recently set ablaze the residence of the District Head of Bokkos Monday Adanchi.

The infuriated women had accused Adanchi of abandoning them during a critical period marked by persistent killings of innocent citizens, which tragically continued after the Christmas Eve carnage that claimed over 200 lives.

Besides, thousands of people were displaced, houses and grains worth millions of Naira were also destroyed in the process.

The unrest commenced in the early hours of Friday, January 5th, at the Bokkos Police Station and in a twinkle of an eye, the women stormed the residence of the District head in commando style, setting it Ablaze.

Before now, they were called the Amazons of Plateau State. In the past they were known as fierce female warriors who came out whenever their communities were under attack from foreign elements to chase the invaders away.

The protesting women who are seen carrying sticks in their hands, voiced their grievances, pointing to the alleged unjust arrest and detention of youths within the community.

However, the simmering protest underscores the women’s discontent with the handling of security matters and perceived negligence by local authorities.

The public relations officer of the Plateau State Police Command, DSP Alfred Alabo also confirmed the development to me.

He pointed out that although no arrest has been made, the situation has been brought under control by law enforcement agencies.

Speaking to me, one of the women who participated in the protest and gave her name as Mrs. Salome Andong, said they are protesting and calling for the release of all those alleged to have been arrested with legitimate self-defence implements such as cutlasses, clubs, machetes, who were in the course of protecting their communities in the aftermath of the attacks.

She argued that the arrest of the youth in their community only aggravated the pains of the people as these security agencies did not respond on time to protect the communities, and then later have the nerves to come after the massacre and arrest those who selflessly and patriotically defended their communities from further attacks.

Salome added that there is no better time than now for women to come out in large numbers and defend their communities against external aggressors.