INSTANT NEWS

Leaders of thought and elder statesmen representing Southern and Middle Belt regions have penned a letter to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to address the ongoing killings and destruction in the Middle Belt, which they see as a threat to the nation's existence. The group, known as the Southern and Middle Leaders Forum (SMBLF), emphasized the President's responsibility to resolve the issue and criticized the portrayal of the conflict as mere herders/farmers clashes. They called for a comprehensive security inquiry, the closure of IDP camps, and specialized training for security agents.

The leaders, including Chief Edwin Clark and Chief Ayo Adebanjo, highlighted the diversity within the North-West geopolitical zone and underscored the dangers of the Fulani territorial agenda. They urged President Tinubu to take decisive action, address the senseless killings, and ensure the safety of citizens, especially in the Middle Belt. The letter criticized the government's handling of the Fulanization agenda and called for the return of displaced communities to their ancestral homes.

In a separate development, governors from the North Central states visited Plateau State, expressing concern over the persistent attacks and killings. They called on the federal government to address the root causes of the issue and find lasting solutions. The governors emphasized the need for unity and cooperation among the North Central states to combat banditry effectively.

Additionally, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) called on President Tinubu to deploy radical security and economic policies in response to the increasing insecurity in the country. The NBA condemned recent attacks in Plateau State and a drone strike in Kaduna State, urging the government to prioritize the security of lives and properties. The association called for a comprehensive and region-specific approach to address security challenges, emphasizing the importance of inter-agency coordination and substantial investments in security.