SMBLF Sounds Alarm As Terrorists Gain Ground Across Nigeria

The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has said Nigeria stands at a dangerous crossroads, stressing it is deeply alarmed and troubled by the growing boldness of terrorists who now operate with shocking impunity across the country.

SMBLF noted that the frequency, spread, and brutality of attacks against innocent Nigerians show clearly that the security situation was getting worse and not better.

The forum maintained that Nigerians were getting more unsafe, whether in rural villages or in major towns and cities at the moment.

In a statement issued by the leader, SMBLF and leader of Afenifere, HRM Oba Oladipo Olaitan , President, Middle Belt Forum, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, President-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata and National Chairman, PANDEF, Ambassador Godknows Igali, and made available to LEADERSHIP on Thursday, the forum condemned the recent killings of citizens by terrorists.

SMBLF while calling for the immediate abolition of Operation Open Corridor, said no nation that was serious about security rewards mass murderers and neglected their victims.

The statement also strongly condemned the practice by some state governments of granting pardon or amnesty to bandits, arguing that there was no evidence that such actions have brought peace, “Instead, violence continues, and in many cases, it has worsened. Criminals interpret these pardons as a sign of weakness, not goodwill”

According to the forum, if the government was unable to fully secure the lives and property of its citizens, then it has a duty to empower them to defend themselves, “We therefore call for the liberalization of access to legal weapons under a strictly regulated system. There should be provision for the mass production and controlled distribution of such weapons to responsible citizens and community-based security groups.

“This will allow communities to become the first line of defense against invading terrorists and bandits. No community should be left helpless while waiting for distant security forces that often arrive too late.”

Parts of the statement read, “The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) is deeply alarmed and troubled by the growing boldness of terrorists who now operate with shocking impunity across Nigeria. The frequency, spread, and brutality of these attacks show clearly that the situation is getting worse, not better. Nigerians are getting more unsafe, whether in rural villages or in major towns and cities.

“The recent mass murder of innocent citizens on Palm Sunday in Unguwan Rukuba, in Jos metropolis, Plateau State and Kahir Village, Kagarko Local Government Area in Kaduna State resulting in deaths, is a painful example. No less than 40 harmless Nigerians were killed in cold blood by cowardly gunmen. A week later, Gwer community in Benue State was attacked, killing not less than 17 people on April 5-6; Nyago Gyel community in Plateau State leading to 3 deaths; Akyawa and Udege Kasa in Nasarawa State, resulting in 11 deaths,” the forum said.

SMBLF lamented, “These attacks were not only a desecration of two sacred Christian days (Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday), but also a dangerous signal that terrorism is expanding into urban centres. These are only a few of many violent incidents happening across the country, many of which go unreported just within two weeks. Quite worrisome, what was reduced to mostly rural violence some years back is now creeping back into cities.

“Sadly, these were not long after Ngoshe town, in Gwozah in Southern Borno was sacked by Boko Haram and bombs detonated in three locations in Maiduguri town. Scores were killed in the violence, many more injured. Around the same period, Kautikari, a community near Chibok in Southern Borno, was invaded, and at least twelve innocent villagers were slaughtered by Islamist terrorists. This was followed by attacks on Nuku and Woro communities in Kwara State in which 170 people were reported to have been killed.

The forum said further, “At this difficult time, we sincerely commiserate with the affected communities and people of Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Borno, and Kwara States over these painful and provocative killings. We also commend the residents of these areas for showing restraint and not taking the law into their own hands despite the deep anger and grief.

“However, sympathy alone is no longer enough. These heinous crimes must not go without accountability and justice. Heads must roll. While commending men of the Nigerian Armed Forces in the theatres of operations for their gallantry, it is becoming increasingly clear that sections within the federal government are too soft on terrorists.”

The statement added, “This softness is seen not just in actions, but also in public statements by top officials. The Chief of Defence Staff Lt. Gen. Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede recently described terrorists as “prodigal sons” who should be welcomed back. Similarly, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu has referred to bandits and terrorists as “our brothers that we must live with.” These statements send a very dangerous message: that those who kill innocent Nigerians are to be treated with sympathy rather than firmness once they show remorse.

“This mindset has led to policies that pamper criminals while their victims suffer. A clear example is the so-called Operation Open Corridor, under which billions of naira are spent rehabilitating hardened terrorists. These same individuals have destroyed communities, killed thousands, and displaced millions. Yet, they are fed, clothed, trained, and sent back into society.

“Meanwhile, their victims are left to rot in overcrowded IDP camps across the Northeast and the Middle Belt with no government support. Many of these victims live in subhuman conditions, without proper food, shelter, healthcare, or security. This situation is not only unjust, it is deeply insulting to those who have suffered,” SMBLF stated.