by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Tens of thousands of Nigerians of indigenous Middle-Belt in the country on Tuesday took to the streets of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), en-massive, but in a peaceful protest, calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to formally recognize the Middle-Belt as a distinct geo-political and administrative region separate from the North.
Carrying bold banners and placards, the protesters gathered from early morning along Ahmadu Bello Way, Eagle Square, and the Three Arms Zone, chanting in unison: “Middle-Belt is not North!” “President Tinubu, recognize Middle-Belt Region!” “We are Middle-Beltans, not Northerners!”
The protesters, a colorful mix of Tiv, Idoma, Berom, Eggon, Jukun, Igede, Igala, Ebira, and dozens of other ethnic nationalities, wore traditional attires and waved Nigerian flags alongside green-white-green Middle-Belt flags.
Key messages on the placards included: ‘PRESIDENT TINUBU, RECOGNIZE MIDDLE-BELT REGION.’ ‘MIDDLE BELT IS NOT NORTH!’ ‘MIDDLE-BELT DESERVES RECOGNITION.’ ‘WE ARE MIDDLE-BELTANS, NOT NORTHERNERS.’ ‘NO MORE FORCED ASSIMILATION INTO THE NORTH.’
Speaking to journalists at the Unity Fountain, coordinator of the Middle-Belt Consciousness Movement, Dr. Paul Itodo, said: “For too long, the Middle-Belt has been lumped together with the far North for political convenience in favour of the later.
“We are culturally, historically, and religiously different. We have suffered marginalization because decisions meant for the core North are imposed on us. Today, we say enough is enough.
“We demand that the Middle-Belt – comprising Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Taraba, Adamawa, Southern Kaduna, Southern Borno, Niger, Southern Yobe, Southern Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, and the Federal Capital Territory – be recognized as a separate region with its own development commission and equitable representation.”
A female protester, Mrs. Mercy David (from Plateau State), added in tears: “We are tired of being called ‘Northerners’ when our people are killed and our voices silenced in the name of ‘one North.’ Middle-Belt is not North!”
The protest remained peaceful throughout, with only light police presence observed. Motorists and passers-by honked in solidarity as the march passed major government buildings.
“As at 4:30 pm, a delegation of Middle-Belt leaders was granted audience at the Presidential Villa to present their formal demand letter to President Tinubu.
“Today’s protest is the largest public demonstration of Middle-Belt identity assertion since the 2023 general elections.#MiddleBeltIsNotNorth.”