Nigeria’s North-Central region is facing a severe crisis of insecurity, with the president of the Middle Belt Forum, Pogu Bitrus, condemning the continuous attacks on innocent civilians. According to Bitrus, the attacks are no longer just about farmers and herders clashing, but rather a coordinated effort by Fulani terrorists to wreak havoc on unsuspecting civilians.
The mode of operation of these terrorists has become increasingly brutal, with instances of people being burned alive in their rooms. Bitrus finds it unacceptable that the security forces, despite being aware of the whereabouts of these terrorists, have failed to take decisive action to root them out. He emphasizes that the government’s inaction is allowing these terrorists to freely attack and kill innocent people, which is a clear dereliction of duty.
Bitrus also expresses frustration with the federal government’s efforts in tackling the crisis, citing the fact that key security positions are held by Fulani individuals. He questions whether this is a deliberate attempt to facilitate the destruction and killing of people in the region. The government’s failure to allow people to defend themselves or provide adequate security has led to a sense of helplessness among the population.
There have been claims that the attacks on the people of North-Central Nigeria are coordinated and genocidal in nature. Bitrus agrees with this assessment, pointing out that one ethnic nationality is being systematically attacked and killed. He highlights the plight of people displaced from their ancestral lands and forced to live in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.
The anti-open grazing law, introduced to address the issue, has been met with resistance from the Fulani community. Bitrus argues that the law was a response to the attacks, which had been occurring for years, and that it would have helped to mitigate the crisis. However, the Fulani community has brought in foreigners from neighboring countries, who are occupying land and taking over ancestral territories.
To address the insecurity, Bitrus proposes the introduction of community-based ranching, which is a globally accepted method of animal husbandry. He suggests that every community in Nigeria should know their local Fulani population and allow them to practice ranching in designated areas. This, he believes, is the only way to prevent further occupation of ancestral land by foreign Fulanis.
Furthermore, Bitrus calls for the abolition of the protocol document signed by the former Attorney-General of the Federation, which allows Fulanis to move freely around the country. He advocates for the return of foreign Fulanis to their countries of origin, where they can conduct their businesses without posing a threat to Nigerian communities.
In conclusion, the North-Central region of Nigeria is facing a grave crisis of insecurity, with Fulani terrorists wreaking havoc on innocent civilians. The government’s inaction and failure to provide adequate security have exacerbated the situation. Bitrus’s proposals, including community-based ranching and the abolition of the protocol document, offer a way forward to address the crisis and prevent further bloodshed.
