The only region which has rebuffed the land-grabbers and genocidal gangsters since 2011 is the South-south of Nigeria because of the vibrant Niger Delta Militants whose forces are highly skilled, possessing of sophisticated weaponry, security technology and grassroots intelligence, able to navigate within marine and terrestrial spheres, with ease and precision. The Southwest followed with Amotekun. With the president and the IG of police being Yoruba, the region is safe: Hence you can’t really blame most Yoruba leaders such as Paul Adefarasin, Enoch Adeboye and Poju Oyemade for supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu — it’s just about primordial self-preservation. And in 2027 they will all support a Yoruba presidency.
I listened to the interview by the Sultan of Sokoto where he called social media a terrorist organization while refusing to condemn the real atrocities and terrorism committed against Hausa Muslims, Hausa-Fulani Christians, Middle-Beltans and Igbos. Then I listened to Gov. Hyacinth Alia and Gov. Caleb Mutfwang emphatically explain that they know the assailants and they are relying on the NSA, Nuhu Ribadu and the Nigerian military to protect their states. I shook my head in disbelief. Are these governors okay?
You have seen the number of reported attacks in Plateau where over 150 people where ruthlessly killed by the land-grabbing barbarians from the pit of hell, in a country where there is a sitting president and a vice president, where we have numerous silent senators and judges, army generals, navy and airforce, and a weeping governor Caleb Mutfwang.
You have seen that beside Plateau State, in Otobi Akpa in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, that the armed assailants have been playing with blood and bones. How did they smuggle weapons into Nigeria, from Plateau to Benue, unchecked by the DSS, the NIA, Military and the police?
In Emichi Village, Otukpo LGA (April 16, 2025), the armed assailants attacked the community, killing multiple residents and displacing many. In Gwer West LGA (April 10, 2025), two farmers were killed in a violent assault. In Mbasombo Community, Gwer East LGA (April 10, 2025), three individuals were killed in another attack. In
Ikobi Community, Otukpo LGA (April 3, 2025), a Benue Links bus was ambushed, resulting in the deaths of three passengers. That is in April alone.
You have seen that from there, close by in
in Enugu, the blood suckers continued their barbaric encroachment. In Uzo-Uwani, Enugu State, at least 25 people were killed in a violent attack by insurgents targeting agrarian communities this farming season. There’s no Chimaroke Nnamani to speak up.
They also killed 17 people in Nkalaha Community, in Ishielu Local Government Area, of Ebonyi state. They also went to Amagu, attacked a Lord’s Chosen Church in worship and massacred many. All these communities are all Christian and agrarian communities in the Middle Belt and South East regions of Nigeria. Yet the Minister of Works, Umahi, remained dumb and unabashed, just as the Governor of Ebonyi State and all there senators including the one that insulted Oby Ezekwesili.
That the Middle Belt and South East regions of Nigeria have become hotspots for relentless attacks by terrorists and bandits, leaving communities devastated and vulnerable is now a tormenting reality. From the tragic killings in Bokkos and Bassa to the repeated assaults in Enugu, Ebonyi, and Benue, the need for a robust, grassroots security apparatus has never been more urgent. Drawing inspiration from the South South's organized vigilance, it is imperative for the Middle Belt and South East to establish their own intelligence and security networks akin to the CIA. This is not a call for militancy but a proactive strategy to preserve lives, protect resources, and ensure peace.
That these regions are insecure is not a gimmick. Another catalogue of devastating attacks on these vulnerable areas underscores the urgency of action. Here are ten notable incidents:
Bokkos and Bassa, Plateau State (2025): Over 140 people were killed in coordinated attacks by armed bandits, leaving entire communities displaced.
Mangu, Plateau State (2023): Gunmen invaded villages, killing dozens and burning homes in a seven-hour operation.
Benue State (2023): Armed herdsmen attacked Guma and Logo local government areas, killing over 73 people in a single day.
Southern Kaduna (2022): A Christmas Eve attack claimed the lives of over 38 people, with homes and churches destroyed.
Enugu State (2023): Communities in Eha-Amufu were repeatedly attacked, resulting in the deaths of over 50 residents.
Ebonyi State (2023): Armed assailants attacked Effium and Ezza communities, leaving dozens dead and many injured.
Taraba State (2024): Bandits raided villages in Takum, killing over 30 people and displacing hundreds.
Nasarawa State (2024): A series of attacks in Doma and Awe local government areas resulted in over 40 deaths.
Kogi State (2023): Gunmen ambushed travelers along the Lokoja-Abuja highway, killing several and abducting others.
Anambra State (2023): Armed groups attacked communities in Orumba North, leaving a trail of destruction and loss of life.
These catalogue of incidents highlight the vulnerability of these regions and the need for a coordinated response to prevent further tragedies. It is high time that all traditional rulers and elected leaders in the South East and the Middle Belt sat to renegotiate the way forward from this historical instability via genocidal attacks by intruders.
This is urgent.‼️
The South-South did same two decades ago to preserve their territorial integrity. Their youth were ready to destroy Nigeria or be properly integrated into the security of the region: The Power of Grassroots Security.
The South South region, particularly the Niger Delta, demonstrate the effectiveness of grassroots security networks. Through organized vigilance and intelligence-sharing, they have managed to deter external threats and protect their communities. This model can be adapted to the Middle Belt and South East, focusing on:
Community Vigilante Groups: Establishing well-trained and equipped local security teams to monitor and respond to threats. Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo must have a more robust security network managed, funded and trained by the local and state governments. Same for Taraba,Plateau and Benue.
Intelligence Networks: Creating a system for gathering and sharing information on potential attacks, similar to the CIA's intelligence framework. That’s how Amotekun intercepted the movement of 100 aimless individuals who were not even aware of where they were going.
Collaboration with Law Enforcement: Working alongside indigenous members of the police and military forces to ensure coordinated action. This is to avoid sabotage.
The role of youths, political leaders and traditional rulers in facilitating this grassroots security cannot be overstated.
The success of any grassroots security initiative depends on the active involvement of all stakeholders. While the youths are the backbone of the grass-root security architecture, the political leaders must leave road and other infrastructure, and allocate major funds on acquiring ammunition, CCTV, security equipment and solid bullet proof automobiles for the frontline vigilante.
Politicians cannot be driving bulletproof SUVs while entire communities are sacked by 100 armed fugitives. As we write they’re in their hideouts in the forest within Nigeria. The same tactics they used within Sambisa forests. Traditional rulers must never allow this to happen again. As custodians of culture and community, traditional rulers should play a pivotal role in mobilizing support and fostering unity.
The following steps are essential to rebuilding and restore the security of the Southeast and the Middle Belt:
Training and Capacity Building: Equip vigilante groups with modern tools and techniques for intelligence gathering and conflict resolution.
Technology Integration: Use drones, surveillance cameras, and communication systems to enhance monitoring and response capabilities.
Community Engagement: Foster trust and collaboration among residents to ensure the success of security initiatives.
Policy Advocacy: Push for government support and funding for grassroots security programs.
The Middle Belt and South East cannot afford to remain passive in the face of relentless attacks. By establishing grassroots intelligence and regional security networks, these regions can take control of their destiny and protect their people. This is not just a call to action—it is a call to survival. The time to act is now.
No comments:
Post a Comment