By Mike Odeh James
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has expressed strong disapproval of comments made by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, during his recent condolence visit to Benue State Governor, Father Hyacinth Alia, following deadly attacks by armed men identified as Fulani herdsmen.
In a press statement issued on May 15, 2025, and signed by Luka Binniyat, the Forum’s National Spokesman, the MBF described Ribadu’s remarks as “callous” and “inaccurate,” accusing him of downplaying the scale of devastation in Benue and other parts of the Middle Belt.
According to the MBF, Ribadu’s visit—which should have offered comfort and solidarity—took a controversial turn when he dismissed the severity of the crisis by framing it as part of a global trend. The NSA reportedly referenced conflicts in Sudan and Mauritania as comparisons, while denying that any parts of Nigeria are under the control of armed groups.
“This denial flies in the face of evidence,” the MBF stated. “In Benue State alone, where Ribadu made these claims, many communities remain under the occupation of armed Fulani militants who violently displaced the original inhabitants.”
The Forum noted that similar conditions exist across Southern Kaduna, Plateau, Niger, Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina, and Zamfara states. It also referenced a public admission by Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno, who acknowledged that Boko Haram had retaken some previously liberated territories.
“The MBF is therefore alarmed and puzzled by the NSA’s statements. Who is briefing him? On what basis is he dismissing credible reports of occupation and atrocities?” the statement asked.
The MBF further criticized Ribadu’s comments as being insensitive to the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs), many of whom continue to live in “subhuman conditions—stripped of their dignity, homes, and livelihoods.”
“To suggest no one occupies their lands is to deny them justice and hope of return to their homes and restitution paid in the future,” the Forum asserted.
In addition to condemning the NSA’s remarks, the MBF expressed skepticism over the ongoing “North Central Workshop on Developing a National Framework on Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration” in Makurdi, which is being organized under Ribadu’s office.
While the Forum acknowledged the importance of such frameworks, it pointed to a “glaring omission” and linked the initiative to a controversial amnesty program previously implemented in Kaduna State.
“Last year, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State granted amnesty to so-called ‘repentant’ terrorists in Birnin Gwari,” the statement recalled. “He said that it was an outcome of robust collaboration with the NSA’s office. He pledged to rehabilitate them for dropping their arms.”
The MBF lamented that no consideration was given to the victims of those terrorists—families destroyed, communities ruined, and lives upended.
“We suspect that the ongoing workshop may align with the Kaduna model, which had no consideration to the victims and has no space for justice,” the Forum warned.
Raising further alarm, the MBF questioned whether the disarmament process might be extended to local communities that have armed themselves with rudimentary weapons for self-defense.
“Would this not contradict the February 2025 call by the Director General of the Department of State Services, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, urging communities to act as first responders in self-defense?” the Forum asked.
The MBF used the opportunity to restate its policy positions:
No Blanket Amnesty for Terrorists: “The government must not allow murderers and destroyers of communities to simply surrender weapons and walk away free. Justice must be served.”
Right to Self-Defense: “Communities under siege should be supported—not disarmed. The government should help them legally procure light weapons, train youth volunteers, and place them under the supervision of vetted military or security personnel, serving or retired.”
State and Local Policing: “The MBF reiterates its call for the establishment of State Police, as well as Local Government and Ward Police structures. Security must be localised to be effective.”
No Unilateral Forgiveness of Criminals: “Amnesty and reintegration programs must follow legal processes and legislative backing. The Federal and State Governments must not unilaterally pardon terrorists without public accountability.”
Concluding the statement, the Forum called for “serious, responsible, and empathetic governance that truly reflects the pain and suffering of affected communities.”
“The NSA must offer leadership that reassures victims, not pamper terrorists. The hundreds of thousands of ‘repentant’ Boko Haram terrorists granted amnesty has not solved the insurgency in the North East,” the MBF added.
Middle-Belt Times 