The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has praised President Bola Tinubu over what it described as rare and unequivocal condemnation of the “massacre” in Bokkos Plateau State.
Spokesman, Middle Belt Forum, Luka Binniyat, said on Sunday that the group was also grateful for the President’s directive to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide immediate relief to survivors of the carefully coordinated attacks on the communities of Tadai, Manguna, Hurti, Ruwi, and Dafo—all located in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State—by armed assailants identified by survivors as Fulani militia.
“Such presidential attention to a long-suffering Middle Belt community is uncommon, and we express our sincere gratitude. We also pray that the marching orders given to the military and security agencies to apprehend and bring the perpetrators to justice will be followed by swift and decisive action,” Binniyat said, adding that,
“This is the kind of leadership and response that citizens expect from their elected officials, particularly as the primary responsibility of the government is the protection of lives and property. If these gestures and promises are genuinely followed through, they will bring healing to deep wounds and restore hope to affected communities, reaffirming their belief that they belong to a country that truly cares.
He, however, urged the President to also intervene in the ongoing mass killings in several Tiv and Idoma communities in Benue State because hardly a day passes without reports of fresh attacks, arson, killings, and kidnappings targeting these communities.
He said, “We have received disturbing reports of the steady displacement of hundreds of people fleeing to nearby areas perceived to be safer. Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from these communities are increasing daily, living in appalling conditions with little or no support.
“To be fair, the military and security agencies have made commendable efforts and recorded some successes. Yet, the violence continues unabated. We firmly believe that if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu were to issue a similarly strong public condemnation of these atrocities and order a robust pursuit of the perpetrators, it would inject new momentum into the fight against these agents of terror.
“Furthermore, IDPs in the Tiv-Idoma axis are in desperate need of relief materials, as many are now forced to live in destitution.
“We also urge the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to raise his voice in defense of his people. As the Chief Security Officer of the state, he must mobilize local communities to serve as the first line of defense while awaiting external intervention. He must also vocally condemn the ongoing destruction of lives and property and make urgent appeals for help.”
