Calls for the State Police Intensify the following highlands, a bent massacre

In the midst of new violence and tragic murder in the highlands and Benue, leaders from the southern region and the middle belt of Nigeria have issued a Clarion call for urgent security reform, including the creation of state police.

They also encouraged citizens to defend themselves in dealing with what they described as “the slaughter of the unrelenting genocide” carried out by the alleged Fulani militia.

In a joint statement released on Friday, the Southern and Central Leaders Forum (SMBLF), which consists of Oba Oladipo Olilagu (Afenifere), Dr. Bitrus Pogu (middle belt forum), Senator John Azuta-Mbata (Cupoeze Ndigbo Worldwide), and Ambassador Ndigbo Ambassador (Piard Ndigbo Worldwide), and Ambassador Ndigbo (Piard Ndigbo), and NDIGBO Ambassador (Pard Ndigbo), and Ambassador, displacement that influenced their community.

“The only crime of our people is a Nigerian who lives in their ancestral land,” the statement said. “In every community attacked, the Fulani militia not only destroyed life and property but also often settled on the ground, unmatched by security forces assigned to protect citizens.”

Leaders regret that the latest attacks, which occurred on last Sunday in Zike and Kakpa Villages in the Kwall District in the Bassa Regional Government, claimed the lives of at least 50 irrigwe people. This follows the previous massacre of more than 80 people in the Bokkos Regional Government, bringing sadness and anger throughout the region.

Describing the murder as planned and coordinated, the forum condemned what they saw as the failure of the Nigerian state to uphold their responsibilities to protect citizens. “The latest bloodshed has encouraged the nigerians who are well-intended outside the threshold of mourning into calls for decisive actions,” the group said.

They criticized the federal government for rejecting repeated proposals about restructuring, implementing true federalism, and the formation of state police. This is a reform that they think is very important to restore safety and autonomy to vulnerable communities.

“Nigerian security forces, which were once respected internationally, were too much, worn by many conflicts throughout the country,” the statement continued. “However, the government continues to reject practical solutions, including the end to open the grazing and creation of local police structures.”

The leaders describe the gloomy picture of citizens who were moved to camps, living as “slaves saved,” with a little hope to return to their ancestral house. Meanwhile, they said, the attackers were still brave by clear impunity and lack of federal response.

“This country has effectively submitted parts of its territory,” the statement warned, “allowing territorial conquests with communal clashes, while preaching everything is fine.”

In a very emotional and patriotic attraction, leaders urge Nigerians, especially those in the surrounded community, to take ownership of their own safety. “Maintain your life. Maintain your home. Maintain your land. You have the right to live peacefully.”

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