“MIDDLE BELT GROUP VOWS SELF-DEFENCE AGAINST DECADES OF TERRORIST ATTACKS”
GREATRIBUNETVNEWS–THE Middle Belt Concern (MBC), a coalition of 77 civil society organizations, has announced its readiness to defend the region against prolonged terrorist attacks that have resulted in violent deaths and permanent disabilities among unarmed civilians. Operating on a non-political, non-partisan, non-religious, and non-ethnic basis, the group has declared its determination to protect its region.
THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY SHELL NIGERIA
The group made this known in a communiqué signed by Ier Jonathan-Ichaver, Kiyitwe Gotom, Marie Ene Orgah Esq, Redzie Jugo Esq, Samuel Danauta, and Vitalis Ortese at the conclusion of a Citizens Dialogue on “Defeating Terror in the Middle Belt” held on Saturday, April 26, 2025.
The online meeting, which centred on the escalating crisis of terror, displacement and take-over of lands, kidnapping for ransom and impunity in the region towards finding long lasting peace and development in the Middle Belt, called on governments at all levels, the international community, and all people of goodwill to join in ending terror in the Middle Belt.
According to the communique, the citizens of the Middle Belt are awake to their God-given rights and responsibilities to defend themselves and their lands and will do so given the persistent and continued failure of the state to uphold its sworn and constitutional duty to protect their lives and properties.
Advocating for a thriving Middle Belt Region, the group demanded that the Local, State, and Federal Governments should immediately and effectively fulfil their constitutional and moral duties to prevent the ongoing killings and emerging patterns of genocide in the Middle Belt, and to engage international mechanisms where necessary.
Some of the demands made by the group includes:
Right to Bear Arms Regulation under the Constitution: We demand that Nigerian State and Federal Legislators, especially those representing Middle Belt communities, urgently amend the Firearms Act 1959 (Cap F28 LFN 2004) to permit law-abiding farming communities to arm and defend themselves against terror attacks. This is in line with Section 33(2) of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the right to self-defence in the face of unlawful violence for the defence of property. The February 2025 public comments of the Director of State Service, made in Abuja have resonated with Nigerians of good faith. Given the less than 400,000 police officers to manage a population of 250 million Nigerians and the gross inadequacy and ill equipment of the Nigerian Police force to adequately address and manage all forms of attacks, it has become clear that Middlebelt citizens need to activate the right to bear arms and be the first line of defence for their communities.
Transparency and Accountability in Security Spending:
‘’We call on all State Governors and Local Government Chairpersons in the Middle Belt to transparently account for the use of the Security Votes since they assumed office.
End to Intimidation of Victims and Advocates:
‘’We condemn the harassment and intimidation of terror victims, community leaders, and human rights advocates by federal and state government agents and call for them to cease forthwith. We particularly denounce the reported threats against Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and his team for their courageous stand against terror. This raises grave concerns about the presence of agents of terror within some arms of government.
Security Agencies Must Uphold Their Mandate:
‘’We call on all security agencies to be responsive and take the initiative in preventing attacks, protecting communities, and prosecuting those responsible, including security officials who may be complicit through action, inaction and/or negligence. Furthermore, we demand the immediate identification, arrest, and prosecution of all individuals and groups responsible for killings and violent displacements across the Middle Belt.
A Coalition of Governors of the Middlebelt Region of Nigeria:
We strongly urge that Governors of the Middlebelt states, must as a matter of urgency, come together to construct an adequate defensive framework to defend their citizens in complementary with the constitutional security arrangements similar to the model designed by the South West states of Nigeria, where they have designed and implemented “Amotekun”. The Middlebelt states are overdue for a similar framework and unit.
Terrorist Designation of Perpetrators:
We demand the formal designation of all killer groups operating in the Middle Belt as terrorist organisations. Groups like the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) that have expressed or demonstrated support for acts of terror and genocide must be held accountable under Nigerian and international law.
Relief, Rehabilitation and Compensation:
‘’We demand comprehensive relief measures for all victims of terror attacks, including medical support, trauma counselling, rehabilitation programs, and adequate compensation for loss of lives and livelihoods. MIDDLE BELT CONCERN Advocates for a Thriving Middle Belt Region
Rebuilding Destroyed Communities & Safe Return of Displaced Persons:
‘’We call for a government-funded, citizens-led and community-driven program for the rebuilding of all destroyed villages, farmlands, and places of worship in the Middle Belt. We insist on the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of all displaced persons to their ancestral homes without delay, and with adequate security guarantees.
Prosecution of Illegal Occupiers:
‘’We demand the immediate arrest and prosecution of individuals and groups unlawfully occupying lands and properties of displaced communities, treating them as accessories to crimes against humanity, including genocide and the possession of stolen property.’’
