By Mike Kandi
ABUJA – The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his rare and unequivocal condemnation of the recent massacre in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, describing it as a welcome sign of leadership and a step toward justice for the long-suffering people of the region.
In a press statement issued on Sunday and signed by its spokesman, Luka Binniyat, the MBF commended the President’s directive to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide immediate relief to survivors of the deadly attacks on Tadai, Manguna, Hurti, Ruwi, and Dafo communities. Survivors identified the assailants as Fulani militia.
“The attention from the presidency is uncommon, and we express our sincere gratitude,” the statement read. “We also pray that the marching orders given to security agencies will result in swift and decisive action.”
The MBF noted that such a response is what citizens expect from their elected leaders, emphasizing that the primary duty of government is the protection of lives and property. The forum stated that if these promises are sincerely implemented, they could begin to heal deep wounds and restore trust in the Nigerian state.
However, the forum expressed deep concern over what it described as the glaring silence of the presidency concerning the ongoing killings in Tiv and Idoma communities of Benue State.
“Hardly a day passes without reports of fresh attacks, arson, killings, and kidnappings targeting these communities,” the statement said, adding that hundreds have been displaced and now live in appalling conditions with little to no support.
While acknowledging the efforts of security agencies, the MBF called on President Tinubu to issue a strong public condemnation of the atrocities in Benue, just as he did for the Plateau killings, to inject new urgency into the security response.
The Forum also urged Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State to take a more vocal and proactive stance in defending his people, mobilizing local communities as first responders while awaiting government intervention.
“We urge the Governor to speak up and condemn the killings, mobilize support for his people, and demand immediate federal action,” the MBF stressed.
The group reiterated its solidarity with all Middle Belt communities affected by violence and extended its sympathy to other parts of Nigeria experiencing similar crises. It also commended the Nigerian military for improvements in regional security and encouraged continued support from local populations.
The Middle Belt Forum represents indigenous ethnic nationalities from Southern Borno, Southern Kebbi, Southern Kaduna, and Southern Bauchi, as well as ethnic groups from Gombe, Taraba, Adamawa, the Federal Capital Territory, and the entire North Central geo-political zone.
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