Stakeholders and victims on Wednesday called for justice irrespective of tribe or ethnicity to address the lingering crisis in the Middle Belt region.
They spoke at the News Central Middle Belt Town Hall in Jos, Plateau State.
The meeting saw relevant agencies, security personnel, victims of conflict and others converge discussing the theme: One Middle Belt, One Voice: From Conflict to Action and Justice.
At the event, Prof Zacharys Gundu, President, Tiv Professionals Group, emphasised the importance of peaceful coexistence, stating that „no group has the right to claim land or livelihoods at the expense of others.“
His remarks highlighted the need for mutual respect and recognition of rights among all communities in the region.
Manneseh Zugumtun, a victim in the Mantu District, addressing the ongoing conflict, accused the Fulani community of fueling the unrest.
He urged the government to intervene swiftly to prevent further violence and restore peace to the area.
In his remarks, Prophet Isa El-Buba, a Fulani indigene and General Overseer of the EBOMI ministry, called for impartial justice and stressed that killers should be held accountable regardless of their tribe or ethnicity.
El-Buba appealed to the government to treat all perpetrators equally under the law to ensure lasting peace.
News Central’s Managing Director, Mr Kayode Akintemi, expressed his sadness at the shared reports of violence and conflict.
He urged affected parties to strive for justice and peace despite the odds.
He also charged security agencies on the need to secure the lives and properties of citizens in the region, regardless of ethnicity and region.
There was a unanimous call for urgent government action to address the root causes of conflict, promote justice, and foster unity among the diverse communities of the Middle Belt.
