Middle Belt Forum Appeals to Plateau, Benue Governors to Unite against Rampaging Terrorists

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has appealed to the Plateau and Benue state governors to unite in response to the growing security crisis in the region.

The appeal is coming against the backdrop of an increase in terrorist attacks that have decimated communities and left their people living in fear.

In a tersely worded declaration, MBF National President, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, implored Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia to forthwith create and implement a joint strategy to defend their citizens against the wide-scale attacks by suspected terrorists and armed militias.

“The attacks have become almost daily, and our citizens can no longer rely on the federal government to provide the security they deserve.

“We appeal to the governors to work together, mobilize community-based vigilante groups, and take proactive measures to secure the lives and property of Middle Belt citizens,” Pogu said.

The MBF blamed the federal government for inaction and, in fact, complicity in the incessant violence, noting that the majority of terrorist hideouts, such as the Mahanga Forest in Plateau State, are familiar to security agencies but yet to be dismantled.

It is puzzling that despite repeated reporting and calls to action, these reported terrorist camps remain to be left untouched. This indicates either a serious lack of capacity or reluctance to confront the real threats to our people,” the statement continued.

In addition to the emergency call for collaboration between Plateau and Benue States, the MBF also reaffirmed its call for the creation of state police departments.

“Decentralization of the security machinery is the best way of empowering the local government and enhancing quick response to peril.

“The centralized arrangement has not worked. We need to localise security so that people can be able to defend themselves properly,” Pogu asserted.

The forum’s stance is a manifestation of increasing ire in the Middle Belt region, as numerous communities feel abandoned by national leadership amid ever-increasing brutality of attacks. The MBF has been a long-time champion of regional unity, fair governance, and justice for victims of violence.

As insecurity tightens its grip on a large part of Nigeria’s North-Central, the call for cooperation between Plateau and Benue leaders is seen as an inevitable step toward a more concerted and community-based defence against prolonged threats.