The Middle Belt Patriots, a regional group representing the Middle Belt region of Nigeria, has strongly condemned the recent directive from the federal government urging state governors to allocate land for grazing by Fulani herdsmen. In a statement issued by its Director of Media and Strategic Communications, Steven Kefas, the group expressed grave concern over the implications of such a directive on the security and well-being of indigenous populations in the region.
The group emphasized that yielding to the federal government’s pressure to cede lands to herders for grazing would exacerbate the already precarious security situation in the Middle Belt and other parts of the country. They warned against the displacement of indigenous communities from their ancestral lands and vowed to resist any attempt to dispossess them of their heritage.
The Middle Belt Patriots criticized the federal government for prioritizing the interests of pastoralists over those of indigenous populations who have been subjected to violent attacks by armed ethnic militias associated with the herders. They called on political leaders, monarchs, and community leaders in the Middle Belt region to defy the federal directive and protect the rights of their people.
The group questioned the constitutionality and fairness of the government’s directive, arguing that grazing is a private business enterprise and should not involve the forcible acquisition of land from farmers and landowners. They urged the government to uphold the rule of law and ensure that herders acquire land for grazing through legitimate means, such as leasing or purchasing from willing sellers.
Furthermore, the Middle Belt Patriots highlighted the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Taraba State, where Kuteb villages have been attacked and thousands of people displaced from their homes and farmlands by rampaging herders and militias. They called for immediate action to address the plight of affected communities and put an end to illegal land grabs and acts of impunity.
In conclusion, the Middle Belt Patriots reaffirmed their commitment to resisting unconstitutional measures that threaten the rights and livelihoods of indigenous populations. They called on the federal government to listen to the grievances of affected communities and prioritize peace, justice, and security in the region.