Inside Story Of Plateau’s Female Vigilantes

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.”

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 efforts of the women, stressing that social vices such as drug abuse and prostitution have reduced drastically in the community.

“Before now, we had a lot of issues with hard drugs and immoral acts in this area; but now, things are better because people know that the women are watching and will not tolerate such acts,” he said.

Grace Dung, a resident of Apata, noted that the presence of the female vigilantes in the community had brought peace.

“They have brought real peace to our area. Although they work with men who provide support for them during operations, their patrol has reduced theft and fighting among youths,” she said.

Musa Ibrahim, another resident, noted that the female vigilantes had done what many men couldn’t do out of fear and carefree nature to issues of life.

“The female vigilantes have done what many men couldn’t do. They have been able to enter homes and correct issues that men couldn’t easily address. Criminal activities have reduced because of them,” he also noted.

Chuwang Pam, another resident who lives in Apata, said the fairness and firmness of the female vigilantes endeared them to members of the community.

“What I like about them is their fairness. Whether you are Christian or Muslim, they treat everyone equally. They have helped us to maintain peace, especially after the crises we experienced in the past,” he noted.

Aisha Sani of Rafinfa community also commended the group, saying, “They have helped our daughters to stay away from bad friends and immoral acts. They go from house to house to speak to young girls and warn those involved in selling illicit drugs. We are proud of them.”

Another resident, Blessing John, noted that the group’s presence had unified people of different faiths.

She said, “Since they started working, there is more unity between Christians and Muslims here. They don’t look at religion; they just work for peace; and that has encouraged us as women.”

It is also noted that the group’s mandate doesn’t just focus only on fighting criminality but extends to political stability.

Fatima Yusuf of Rafinfa noted, “During elections and tense political periods, they calm nerves and sensitise everyone to live in peace and avoid violence. Their work is very important.”

Mrs Ruth Pam said, “We now feel safer allowing our children to move around. The female vigilantes have chased away those using our community for prostitution and drug abuse. We want the government and non-governmental organisations to support them more because they are not paid.”

For Emmanuel Davou, the female vigilantes have made the work of community leaders easier.

“Many small disputes that would have been escalated to the ward head are now being settled by them. We appreciate their sacrifice and commitment to peace,” he said.

Relatives of the women speak

Relatives of members of the female vigilante group also shared their views with Weekend Trust.

Sunday Iliya, a relative, said he was initially worried when his elder sister got herself involved in the security issues of the community, but today, he is glad that she did.

“At first, I was worried when my elder sister joined, but today, I am proud of her. I have seen how she has changed the lives of many youths in our area and how the community now respects our family. She talks to community members as if she preached. And they listen to her. She leaves home for patrols but she still takes care of the family.

Maryam Haruna, an elder sister to a member, said she was not surprised that her sister joined the group as she has always been bold and committed to contributing to humanity.

“My younger sister has always been bold and passionate about peace. Since she joined the group, she has become a role model to girls in our family and the community. Parents now come to our house to thank her for stopping drug abuse among their children,” she said.

Asabe Tanko, a neighbour of one of the female vigilantes, said the participation of the women in the security of the communities was commendable.

“They are dedicated to their jobs. When issues are brought to them, they immediately leave their homes for the vigilante office to make sure that all is taken care of.  They have brought peace to our street,” Asabe said.

Istifanus Pam, a neighbour of a member of the group also said, “I see how they prepare and go out for patrol and sensitisation daily despite being women with children at home. Because of them, bad boys no longer gather around our area to take hard drugs because they could be exposed.”

According to another neighbour, Ladi Ahmed, the female vigilantes are disciplined and committed to their duty.

“As their neighbour, I can tell you that they are disciplined and God-fearing. They advise our children as if they were theirs and have helped many young girls to stop prostitution,” she said.

‘We face several challenges’ 

But the female vigilantes noted that despite their commitment, they faced challenges in the course of their operations; however, they have continued to withstand them.

According to Miss Samuel, combining office work with vigilante duty is not easy. She explained that she sometimes sought permission at her workplace to attend to criminal and matrimonial cases, adding that they face threats from some residents.

“I once received a threat and had to report it to the youth leader,” she said.

According to Hamma, some community members see them as people who interfere in matters that don’t concern them.  “While passing through the community, people mock us, but that doesn’t discourage us. We move forward for the good of the community,” she said.

Hamma said that to further strengthen the relationship between Christians and Muslims in various communities and bridge the gap of ethno-religious differences, members of the group usually come together to eat, drink and celebrate during Sallah and Christmas festivities.

According to her, the relationship has fostered mutual respect and they now see themselves as one.

“We visit one another, sit together and celebrate Sallah and Christmas, eating and drinking, irrespective of our differences,” she said.

For Miss Samuel, they now trust each other, unlike before when they saw themselves as enemies.

“I am happy that this group made us understand that we are all human beings. We visit our Muslim colleagues; they visit us too. What a good moment,” she said.

The community leader and ward head of Laranto, Da Joseph Nyamzi, acknowledged the efforts of the female vigilantes, stressing that their presence has made his work easy, considering that they resolve cases that would have been brought before him for intervention.

“The women have made the job easy; at least, I don’t stress much. If there are people out there working for me, there isn’t any need to worry. During elections, they go out for advocacy to prevent political tension. They create awareness on the right thing to do. Their coming, especially in entering houses to prevent the sale of hard drugs, has really helped us,” he said.

The community leader, however, believes that the security of lives and property cannot be achieved without women, saying they have a great role to play in every peaceful environment.

“After the crisis we had in 2001, we thought of how to come together to ensure peace between Christians and Muslims. We put our religious beliefs aside and came together to fight criminality.

“People in border communities were afraid to visit one another. If there are issues in either community, the women come together and handle them. Their participation will continue to bring lasting peace to the communities. I call on other communities to emulate this. When there is peace, there is success and progress,” he added.(daily trust)