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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has expressed excitement and appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for the immediate intervention for victims of recent killings in Bokkos, Plateau State.
MBF noted that the intervention by Tinubu was the kind of leadership and response that citizens expect from their elected officials, particularly as the primary responsibility of the government is the protection of lives and property.
This was contained in a statement by the spokesman, MBF, Mr. Luka Binniyat.
It read: “The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) notes with appreciation the rare and unequivocal condemnation of the Bokkos, Plateau State massacre by President Bola Tinubu yesterday. We are also grateful for his directive to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide immediate relief to survivors of the carefully coordinated attacks on the communities of Tadai, Manguna, Hurti, Ruwi and Dafo, all located in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, by armed assailants identified by survivors as Fulani militia.
“Such presidential attention to a long-suffering Middle Belt community is uncommon and we express our sincere gratitude. We also pray that the marching orders given to the military and security agencies to apprehend and bring the perpetrators to justice will be followed by swift and decisive action.
“This is the kind of leadership and response that citizens expect from their elected officials, particularly as the primary responsibility of the government is the protection of lives and property.
“If these gestures and promises are genuinely followed through, they will bring healing to deep wounds and restore hope to affected communities, reaffirming their belief that they belong to a country that truly cares.
“However, the MBF is deeply concerned by the glaring silence from the presidency regarding the ongoing mass killings in several Tiv and Idoma communities in Benue State. Hardly a day passes without reports of fresh attacks, arson, killings and kidnappings targeting these communities.
“We have received disturbing reports of the steady displacement of hundreds of people fleeing to nearby areas perceived to be safer. Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from these communities are increasing daily, living in appalling conditions with little or no support.
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“To be fair, the military and security agencies have made commendable efforts and recorded some successes. Yet, the violence continues unabated. We firmly believe that if President Tinubu were to issue a similarly strong public condemnation of these atrocities and order a robust pursuit of the perpetrators, it would inject new momentum into the fight against these agents of terror.
“Furthermore, IDPs in the Tiv-Idoma axis are in desperate need of relief materials as many are now forced to live in destitution.
“We also urge the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to raise his voice in defence of his people. As the Chief Security Officer of the state, he must mobilise local communities to serve as the first line of defence while awaiting external intervention. He must also vocally condemn the ongoing destruction of lives and property and make urgent appeals for help.
“The MBF stands in unwavering solidarity with all communities in the Middle Belt afflicted by herders’ violence. We shall always be your voice.
“We also commiserate with other parts of Nigeria that have suffered or are currently suffering, from similar violence.
“We commend the Nigerian military and security agencies for the improved security in many parts of the Middle Belt.
“We encourage our members to extend their full cooperation and support to these forces, who risk their lives to defend our own and ensure our freedom and safety.
“The MBF is the umbrella socio-cultural body representing all the ethnic nationalities of the Middle Belt. Its membership includes all indigenous ethnic groups from Southern Borno, Southern Kebbi, Southern Kaduna and Southern Bauchi.
“Other members include the ethnic nationalities of Gombe, Taraba and Adamawa states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“All indigenous ethnic groups within the six states that comprise the North Central geo-political zone are also core members of the Middle Belt Forum.”
