The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has issued a powerful call to Nigerians, urging them to rise up and defend their lives, communities, and territories in the face of growing insecurity across the nation. The group, which represents various socio-political organizations, condemned the continued attacks by suspected Fulani militias and terrorist groups in different parts of the country, particularly the recent killings in Plateau and Benue States.
In a statement released on Friday, the forum declared that the days of lamentation are over and that Nigerians must now take their destinies into their own hands. The SMBLF highlighted the ongoing atrocities committed by criminal groups, noting the coordinated and unrelenting nature of the attacks. They described these acts of violence as “genocidal massacres” intended to wipe out entire communities, pointing to the brutal killings in Plateau, where over 50 members of the Irigwe ethnic group were killed, and the massacre in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau, which claimed more than 80 innocent lives just days earlier.
The forum, which includes leaders from Afenifere, the Middle Belt Forum, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, and the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), also strongly criticized the federal government, accusing President Bola Tinubu’s administration of inaction and failure to protect citizens. The SMBLF raised concerns about the inability of security forces to curb the violence, stressing that the Nigerian state had essentially surrendered its sovereignty to lawless militias. They also pointed out that proposals for reforms like the establishment of state police and the end of open grazing had been repeatedly rejected by the federal government.
The SMBLF emphasized the urgent need for the government to act decisively, particularly in light of threats from a group known as the “Coalition of Registered Fulani Organizations” in Plateau, which demanded the removal of military commanders. Despite these threats, the federal government did not take any action, and soon after, the Bassa massacre and violence in Benue State occurred.
“While the violence continues unabated, the Nigerian state is unwilling to provide solutions to the crisis. The security forces are overstretched and incapable of securing the nation, and all proposals for reforms have been turned down by the government,” the statement read. The SMBLF leaders pointed out that, despite the violence being perpetrated by Fulani militias, there has been little condemnation from prominent Fulani leaders, further fueling suspicions of complicity in a so-called “Fulanisation” agenda.
The forum’s statement also condemned the government for failing to take action against the Fulani militias, who have been accused of engaging in acts of terrorism, such as kidnapping, murder, and chaos. These groups, the forum said, are part of a deliberate strategy of territorial expansion and ethnic cleansing. In many cases, these militias not only destroy communities but also settle on the lands they conquer, often without resistance from security forces deployed to protect the citizens.
“The Nigerian government does nothing but condone these acts of modern-day territorial conquests,” the forum stated, adding that the government is complicit in turning a blind eye to the increasing threat posed by these groups. It also pointed to the plight of the victims, who are often displaced and forced into camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), with no hope of returning to their homes.
The forum called for immediate legislative action to support the establishment of state police forces and an end to open grazing, which it believes is contributing to the ongoing violence. Additionally, the SMBLF urged Nigerian governors to take immediate steps to put in place local security structures capable of combating terrorism in their states.
In its conclusion, the SMBLF declared that Nigerians can no longer afford to mourn the loss of lives in silence. Instead, they must act to protect themselves and their communities. The forum urged Nigerians to organize according to their cultural and indigenous ways of community defense and seek out necessary resources and support wherever possible.
The group also reiterated that in the face of the Nigerian state’s failure to protect its citizens, all acts of self-defense are lawful and legitimate. “If our people were not conquered before Nigeria, we will not allow Nigeria to subject us to destruction and slavery,” the statement declared. The SMBLF called for unity and strength in resisting the violence and terror, saying, “Together, we will resist. Together, we will defend. Together, we will survive. Enough is enough.”
The call to action by the SMBLF is a direct response to the escalating violence and insecurity in Nigeria, especially in the northern and central regions, where attacks by Fulani militias, bandits, and other criminal groups have intensified. In recent months, numerous reports have emerged of attacks on villages, farming communities, and towns, leading to hundreds of deaths and thousands of displaced persons. These attacks have been marked by brutality, with entire villages destroyed, and women and children among the victims.
The Nigerian government’s response to these attacks has been widely criticized as inadequate. While the government has made efforts to combat terrorism and insurgency in the country, many Nigerians argue that the security forces are overstretched and ill-equipped to handle the growing threat from armed groups. This has led to calls for reform, particularly the establishment of state police forces that would be better positioned to address local security concerns.
Additionally, the issue of open grazing has been a long-standing source of tension in Nigeria. The practice, which involves herders grazing cattle across vast stretches of land, has led to frequent conflicts between farmers and herders, particularly in the Middle Belt and southern regions of Nigeria. Critics argue that open grazing contributes to the violence, as clashes over land and resources often lead to deadly confrontations.
