…Says, “It’s a wake-up call to all MB Region Monarchs.”
by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Middle-Belt Forum (MBF) says, it has noted with strong support, the recent call by the Emir of Argungu, Kebbi State, Alhaji Muhammad Samaila Mera, for his communities to become “more organized” in the face of the growing threat of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping in his Emirate.
This was contained in a statement issued Wednesday in Kaduna and signed by the forum’s Spokesman, Mr. Luka Binniyat.
The forum stated that, “The MBF fully identifies with the concerns expressed by the Emir. We understand his frustration, fears and determination to protect his people from the insecurity that continues to devastate many communities across Hausaland and the Middle-Belt.”
It further stated that, “The Middle-Belt remains the region most devastated by the activities of Boko Haram/ISWAP, bandits and other terrorist groups.”
According to the forum, “States and areas that make up the Middle-Belt – including Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Niger, Kwara, Adamawa, Gombe, Kogi, Taraba, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Southern Kaduna, Southern Kebbi, Southern Bauchi, Southern Borno and Southern Yobe – have suffered enormous human and economic losses as a result of persistent violence by these extremist violent groups.”
The forum declared that, “If a respected traditional ruler from the Hausa heartland can openly encourage lawful community vigilance and collective security, then, communities across the Middle-Belt, which have carried the heaviest burdens of terrorism and kidnapping, must also begin serious discussions on how to strengthen community safety and survival within the law.
“The Emir of Argungu’s intervention is, therefore, a welcome development. We commend his courage, patriotism and concern for the security and welfare of his people.
“It is, therefore, a wakeup call to all the traditional rulers of the Middle-Belt, irrespective of religion and ethnicity, to emulate his initiative,” the Forum stated.
The statement added that, “The Middle-Belt Forum has also taken note of the growing number of indigenous Hausa voices calling for justice, self-determination, security and greater participation in shaping their political and economic future.
“The over 200 ethnic nationalities of the Middle-Belt stand in solidarity with all Hausa people, who believe in a peaceful, secure, democratic and prosperous Nigeria, where every group enjoys equal rights and opportunities away from the domination of a minority.
“The time has come for greater cooperation between the peoples of Hausaland and the Middle-Belt, who undeniably, form the majority population of Northern Nigeria.
“Together, we can work towards improving security, promoting economic development and building a stronger political partnership that reflects the aspirations of the majority of ordinary people in Hausaland and the Middle-Belt.
“We must come together to discuss the issues that divide us, seek common ground and develop democratic solutions that will advance our collective interests and strengthen our unity.
“We cannot afford to allow historical grievances, religious and ethnic divides to shackle us for the exploitation and domination of a more organized minority in both the Middle-Belt and Hausaland.
“The Middle Belt Forum is willing to champion this conversation. Following consultations with key stakeholders from across the Middle-Belt and Hausaland, we hope to convene a Security and Political Summit before 2027 to help form an alliance on our shared socio-political future,” Forum further stated.