A Coalition of 77 Civil Society Organisations has Called on President Tinubu to End the Violence of Genocide in Middle Belt
News:29/4/2025
The call was made in a communiqué issued at the end of the citizens dialogue titled “Defeating Terror in the Middle Belt,” on Monday in Lagos. The communique was signed by Ier Jonathan-Ichaver, Kiyitwe Gotom, Marie Ene Orgah Esq, Redzie Jugo Esq, Samuel Danauta, and Vitalis Ortese, on behalf of the Middle Belt Coalition. A demand was also made that, there should be a comprehensive relief measures that will be available for victims, medical support, trauma counselling, and compensation, the protection of lives in the Middle Belt, fulfilment of constitutional duties of preventing the rising pattern of killings and genocide by the federal, state and local governments, and there should be transparency condemned aspect of security funds used by the state governors and local government chairpersons.
The harassment and intimidation of victims, community leaders, human rights advocates and the threats carried out against Bishop Wilfred Anagbe was also condemned. The Coalition call on security agencies to carry out their constitutional mandate in order to prevent attacks and to ensure justice. The coalition further asked that individuals or security officials responsible for violence be prosecuted.
The group in agreement, proposed that a Middle Belt Governors’ coalition to create a defensive framework be formed like the “Amotekun” the security agents in South-West states. Furthermore, the group urged government led programmes to help in rebuilding destroyed villages and ensure the safe return of displaced persons, also those who occupy lands belonging to others should be prosecuted.
“We urge legislators to amend Nigeria’s Firearms Act to allow law-abiding farming communities in the Middle Belt the right to bear arms in self-defence, in line with the constitutional right to protect property. We call on the government, Nigerians, and the international community to join forces to end the violence and secure a peaceful future for the Middle Belt,’’ said the Coalition.
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