By Mike Odeh James
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has strongly condemned the extrajudicial killing of 16 Nigerian citizens in Uromi, Edo State, while reassuring Southerners that the Middle Belt remains a safe and welcoming region for all Nigerians. The victims, reportedly armed hunters traveling from Port Harcourt to Kano, were lynched by a mob that suspected them of being kidnappers. The tragic incident has sparked tensions, with some elements in the far North issuing inflammatory threats against Southerners.
In a statement released on April 2, 2025, the MBF rejected any attempt to link the Middle Belt with those making threats of reprisal. The forum emphasized that the Middle Belt is distinct from the core North and will not be drawn into any violence stemming from the Uromi killings.
Middle Belt is Not the North
Luka Binniyat, the MBF spokesman, made it clear that the Middle Belt has its own identity and should not be mistaken for the Northern Nigeria or Arewa, where tensions have been stoked by extremists.
“The Middle Belt denounces the threats coming from certain quarters in the North against Southerners,” Binniyat stated. “We are a region of peace and hospitality. Our people have long suffered from the same insecurity challenges plaguing Nigeria, and we will never allow our land to become a breeding ground for violence against innocent Southerners.”
He emphasized that the Middle Belt has a long history of coexistence with people from the South, built on mutual respect and shared struggles for justice and equity.
Middle Belt: A Safe Haven for All
Reassuring Southerners residing in the Middle Belt, the MBF pledged that they have nothing to fear. The forum affirmed that the region, comprising Southern Kaduna, Southern Kebbi, Southern Bauchi, Adamawa, Gombe, and Taraba states, as well as the entire North Central geopolitical zone, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), will continue to uphold peace and justice.
“We urge our Southern brothers and sisters living in the Middle Belt to disregard any fears or rumors of hostility. We will protect every law-abiding citizen who resides in our land,” Binniyat added.
A Call for Justice and Security
While supporting the investigation into the Uromi killings, the MBF expressed concern over the government’s slow response to the persistent attacks on Middle Belt communities by armed herdsmen. The forum noted that its people have endured years of violent raids and land seizures by criminal elements with little intervention from security agencies.
“Thousands of our people remain in captivity of bandits, and vast portions of our ancestral lands are still occupied by violent militias,” the statement read. “The swift response to the Uromi killings must be extended to the wider insecurity issues across the country.”
The MBF further stated that justice must be applied equitably, ensuring that both the victims of Uromi and those suffering from unchecked violence in the Middle Belt receive the same level of government attention and action.
Building a United Future
The forum called on all Nigerians to resist divisive narratives and focus on unity and security. “The Middle Belt will not be a tool for those trying to ignite ethnic conflicts. We stand for fairness, peace, and the right of every Nigerian to live and thrive without fear.”
As Nigeria grapples with rising insecurity, the MBF’s message is clear: the Middle Belt is not aligned with those advocating violence, and its doors remain open to all Nigerians seeking peace, safety, and prosperity.
Dan Zaki Media 