Insecurity: MBF backs Emir of Argungu’s call for community vigilance

From Noah Ebije, Kaduna

Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has backed the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Muhammad Samaila Mera, following the monarch’s recent call for communities in Kebbi State to become more organised against the growing threats of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

In a statement signed by its National Spokesman, Luka Binniyat, the Forum described the Emir’s intervention as “a welcome development” and urged traditional rulers across the Middle Belt to emulate his example in mobilizing lawful community efforts toward improving security.

“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 Hausa land and the Middle Belt,” the statement said.

The Forum noted that the Middle Belt has borne the brunt of attacks by Boko Haram, ISWAP, bandits and other armed groups, resulting in widespread destruction of lives and livelihoods. “The Middle Belt remains the region most devastated by the activities of Boko Haram/ISWAP, bandits and other terrorist groups.”

According to the Forum, states and territories including Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Niger, Kwara, Adamawa, Gombe, Kogi, Taraba, the Federal Capital Territory, Southern Kaduna, Southern Kebbi, Southern Bauchi, Southern Borno and Southern Yobe have suffered “enormous human and economic losses” due to persistent insecurity.

The organisation argued that if a prominent traditional ruler from the Hausa heartland could publicly advocate lawful community vigilance, then communities across the Middle Belt should also begin serious conversations about strengthening local security mechanisms within the confines of the law.

“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 burdens of terrorism and kidnapping, must also begin serious discussions on how to strengthen community safety and survival within the law,” the statement said.

Commending the Emir’s position, the Forum declared: “The Emir of Argungu’s intervention is therefore a welcome development. We commend his courage, patriotism and concern for the security and welfare of his people.”

The MBF further described the Emir’s remarks as “a wake-up call” for traditional institutions across the region.

“It is therefore a wake-up call to all the traditional rulers of the Middle Belt irrespective of religion and ethnicity to emulate his initiative,” it stated.

Beside security concerns, the Forum highlighted what it described as increasing calls among indigenous Hausa groups for justice, security, self-determination and greater involvement in shaping their political and economic future.

“The Middle Belt Forum has also taken note of the growing number of indigenous Hausa voices calling for justice, self-determination, security and greater participation in shaping their political and economic future,” the statement noted.

The Forum expressed solidarity with such groups, saying the over 200 ethnic nationalities that make up the Middle Belt support all Hausa people committed to peaceful coexistence, democracy and equal opportunities.

“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.”

MBF also called for closer political and socio-economic cooperation between communities in Hausa land and the Middle Belt, arguing that both regions constitute the majority population of Northern Nigeria.

“The time has come for greater cooperation between the peoples of Hausa land and the Middle Belt who undeniably form the majority population of Northern Nigeria.

“Together, we can work toward improving security, promoting economic development and building a stronger political partnership that reflects the aspirations of the majority of ordinary people in Hausa Land and the Middle Belt.”

The Forum urged both regions to confront historical grievances and divisions through dialogue and democratic engagement.

“We must come together to discuss the issues that divide us, seek common ground and develop democratic solutions that will advance our collective interests and strengthen our unity,” it stated.

The statement further warned against allowing longstanding religious and ethnic divisions to be exploited by what it termed “a more organised minority.”

“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 the Middle Belt and Hausa Land,” MBF said.

As part of efforts to strengthen cooperation, the Forum announced plans to facilitate wider consultations across both regions ahead of a major summit.

“The Middle Belt Forum is willing to champion this conversation.

“Following consultations with key stakeholders from across the Middle Belt and Hausa Land, we hope to convene a Security and Political Summit before 2027 to help form an alliance on our shared socio-political future. There should be urgent action because the time to move is now,” Binniyat said.