The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has expressed heartfelt sympathy over the devastating floods that recently ravaged Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, claiming at least 150 lives and displacing hundreds of families.
In a statement issued on Monday by its spokesman, Luka Binniyat, the forum detailed how communities including Muwo, Katcha, Jebba-Mokwa Road settlements, and parts of Rabba were severely affected, with homes, farmlands, and livelihoods swept away by the deluge.
"We stand in solidarity with all those affected and urge both state and federal emergency services to respond swiftly with aid, shelter, and rehabilitation support," the statement read.
Condemnation of Ongoing Violence
Beyond expressing condolences for flood victims, the MBF strongly condemned what it described as continued bloodletting and acts of terror being inflicted on innocent people across the Middle Belt region.
The forum highlighted that in the past week alone, at least 18 persons have been brutally murdered in renewed attacks in Plateau State, particularly in Mushere Chiefdom in Bokkos LGA, as well as Riyom and Bassa LGAs. Communities including Maiyanga, Butura, Hurum, and Gana-Ropp have reportedly suffered deadly ambushes and night raids.
The statement also noted recent killings in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, where armed groups invaded the communities of Munga Lalau and Munga Doso, killing no fewer than 50 residents and razing homes.
Systematic Displacement
According to the MBF, the Middle Belt region is under siege in what it described as "a well-orchestrated and coordinated campaign of terror" that has resulted in widespread displacement across multiple states.
"This is not a herders/farmers clash. Neither is it a fallout of climate change or a competition for resources. It is organized ethno-religious cleansing and land occupation masquerading as communal conflict," Binniyat stated.
The forum detailed that in Niger State, over 40 communities across Shiroro, Munya, and Rafi LGAs are now reportedly under the control of armed militias. In Southern Kaduna, more than 60 communities in Zangon Kataf, Kaura, Kauru, Chikun, and Kajuru LGAs have been sacked, with thousands displaced.
The situation in Benue State is equally dire, with the forum citing information from the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) that over 50 communities across 25 council wards in five local government areas have been displaced.
Call for Government Action
The Middle Belt Forum called on the Federal Government to urgently fulfill its constitutional responsibility of securing lives and property. The forum specifically urged the recruitment, training, and deployment of forest guards and local civilian volunteers who understand the terrain and can support security agencies.
"The Middle Belt has paid too much in blood and tears. Our people, known for their hospitality and resilience, are now facing extermination in silence. We demand justice. We demand protection," the statement concluded.
