Middle Belt remains worst-hit by terrorism, banditry — MBF

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has observed with dismay that the region remains the most devastated by the activities of Boko Haram/ISWAP, bandits and other terrorist groups.

A statement issued by its spokesman, Luka Binniyat, and made available to DAILY POST on Wednesday said: “The Middle Belt remains the region most devastated by the activities of Boko Haram/ISWAP, bandits and other terrorist groups. States and areas that make up the Middle Belt—including Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Niger, Kwara, Adamawa, Gombe, Kogi, Taraba, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Southern Kaduna, Southern Kebbi, Southern Bauchi, Southern Borno and Southern Yobe—have suffered enormous human and economic losses as a result of persistent violence by these extremist violent groups.”

He explained that the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has noted with strong support the recent call by the Emir of Argungu, Kebbi State, Alhaji Muhammad Samaila Mera, for his communities to become more organised in the face of the growing threat of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping in his emirate.

According to him, “The MBF fully identifies with the concerns expressed by the Emir. We understand his frustration, fears and determination to protect his people from the insecurity that continues to devastate many communities across Hausaland and the Middle Belt.”

The statement added that if a respected traditional ruler from the Hausa heartland can openly encourage lawful community vigilance and collective security, then communities across the Middle Belt, which have carried the heaviest burden of terrorism and kidnapping, must also begin serious discussions on how to strengthen community safety and survival within the law.

The spokesman said that the Emir of Argungu’s intervention is therefore a welcome development, adding that the forum commended his courage, patriotism and concern for the security and welfare of his people.

It added that it is a wake-up call to all traditional rulers in the Middle Belt, irrespective of religion and ethnicity, to emulate his initiative. The forum also noted the growing number of indigenous Hausa voices calling for justice, self-determination, security and greater participation in shaping their political and economic future.

“The over 200 ethnic nationalities of the Middle Belt stand in solidarity with all Hausa people who believe in a peaceful, secure, democratic and prosperous Nigeria where every group enjoys equal rights and opportunities away from the domination of a minority.

“The time has come for greater cooperation between the peoples of Hausaland and the Middle Belt, who undeniably form the majority population of Northern Nigeria,” Binniyat explained.

The forum stated that together, they can work towards improving security, promoting economic development and building a stronger political partnership that reflects the aspirations of the majority of ordinary people in Hausaland and the Middle Belt. It pointed out that they must come together to discuss the issues that divide them, seek common ground and develop democratic solutions that will advance their collective interests and strengthen their unity.

He said: “We cannot afford to allow historical grievances, religious and ethnic divides to shackle us for the exploitation and domination of a more organised minority in both in the Middle Belt and Hausaland.The Middle Belt Forum is willing to champion this conversation.”