News

Only All-Inclusive Security Strategy Can Guarantee Peace -Middle-Belt Group

Published

4 years ago

April 7, 2021

…warns against profiling of Fulani

The Middle-Belt Heritage Group has called for an all inclusive security strategy to end the warring spade of insecurity in the country.

The group in a statement entitled, ‘The Security Conundrum in The Benue Valley:
The Time For An Alternative Narrative For
National Cohesion’ and signed by its convener, Wilfred Terhide Bula particularly noted that crises between groups have continued unabatted because of certain missing links.

Citing example with the farmers and herders crises, the group argued that in time past, amicable dispute resolution mechanisms were put in place by leaders of both groups for use
in settling differences and breaches to peaceful coexistence. It however, regretted that today those plugs have been deliberately pulled out, while well-orchestrated mechanisms of divide and rule for selfish independent political gains, have become the order of the day.

While maintaining that there was need to offer alternative narrative to halt the meaningless killings and destruction of property, the group warned against profiling the Fulani tribe as criminals adding that such a strategy was fallacious and counter productive.

Read full text:

ON THE SECURITY CONUNDRUM IN THE BENUE VALLEY:
THE TIME FOR AN ALTERNATIVE NARRATIVE FOR
NATIONAL COHESION

Ladies and Gentlemen

There comes critical and definning moments for every nation and every nationality
in the course of development and civilization. Each phase requires our honest
appraisal and reviews to enable us identify our strengths and weakness for us to chart
a way forward. The history of our country Nigeria is replete with different challenges
since Independence in 1960 which has conspired to stagnate Nigeria’s quest for the
development and prosperity of her people. But never in the history of Nigeria has
this Nation faced this sustained deterioration of the security of lives, properties and
extreme distrust amongst its different ethnic groups as we have it today.
To say that Nigeria as a country is experiencing the worst security crisis since the
civil war ended in 1970 is an indisputable truism and almost all parts of the country
are directly or indirectly affected. There is now a seeming national consensus among
patriotic and conscientious Nigerians on the imparativeness of an inclusive national
strategy in our collective quest for peace and national cohesion.

Benue State as a case study can arguably be said to have experienced the most
devastating losses in terms of human lives and properties in the North Central part
of the country. In fact, thousands of families in Benue State have lost loved ones and
worst still, many have been deprived of their ancestral land for farming while many
others have been displaced from their homes and are taking refuge in IDP Camps
which have now become home for many, over eight (8) years now and counting.
Many of these IDP Camps are in the most inhuman conditions that cannot even be imagined for lower animals.

On this note, we wholeheartedly condemn in unmistakable terms the atrocities being
extended to the Benue people in particular, people of the Middle Belt and Nigerians
in General by some deviant elements of herdsmen. We equally condemn the
activities of bandits, kidnappers, terrorists and all criminals who have found Nigeria
a safe haven for criminal activities and have rendered many homeless, while
inflicting untold hardships on many others in our country. But we wish to also
unequivocally condemn in the strongest terms possible, the general negative
profiling of the Fulani Ethnic group which is now fast becoming a deceptive and
propagative pastime for some Nigerians even those in highly placed positions.
While we have acknowledged from the above that there are genuine grievances
being expressed particularly by the Farmers who are often most affected by the
activities of these herders, we however wish to state for the understanding of the
whole world, the dangers inherent in stereotypical designation of a whole Ethnic
group even as a fallout from the activities of some of its members. This thinking
goes against basic logical Principles of correct human reasoning which is the fallacy
of hasty generalization. This posture, more often than not, closes every opportunity for dialogue even as principal actors and opinion leaders who ordinarily would have stepped out for dialogue stay back in pain from these negative stereotype profiling.
This is the opportunity we intend to create. For if all of the profiling, the cries,
the hues and all the media stunts in attacks and counters has not changed the security
situation on ground to the positive but has rather inflamed and heightened frosty
relationships, then we really need this alternative narrative.
And in creating this, we must go back in history and note that, from time immemorial, the Benue people have lived largely peacefully with their Fulani
brothers. But even as it is with every human interaction, there are usually instances
of misunderstandings and this has not been different with the Tiv and the Fulani
people. What is however strange now is the fact that, while in time past, amicable
dispute resolution mechanisms were put in place by leaders of both groups for use
in settling differences and breaches to peaceful coexistence, today those plugs have been deliberately pulled out, while well-orchestrated mechanisms of divide and rule for selfish independent political gains, have become the order of the day.
This has by no small means, formed the basis for escalation of frosty relationship between the farmers and the herders.

We therefore seek to provide a middle ground platform that offers holistic and
realistic sub-title interventions that can enhance and restore us to our heritage of
living together in harmony and peace. No doubt, a lot has gone wrong in terms of a
peaceful relationship between the farmers and herders with both sides accounting
for great irreparable losses. But to run endlessly with a narrative of name calling and trading blames, which has become, even as a recreational pastime by the Benue
Governor, Samuel Ortom, with no posers for a way forward will do no one any good.
To this end, we intend to identify the missing link, in order to rediscover our heritage
as brothers and sisters who had lived together in peace for more than (300) years.
It is the desire of The Middle Belt Heritage group to open honest conversations that
strongly condemns a single story narrative being championed by the present leadership in Benue State so as to clarify that not all nomads of FULANI extraction are bandits and not every bandit is of FULANI stock. This, we believe, is the only way through which true meaning Fulani opinion leaders can come on the table to chart a sincere way forward for lasting peace. Until these misconceptions are cleared
and people bent on pursuing an agenda of ethnic profiling are frontally resisted, we
will continue to miss the link thus going through a vicious and deadly circle that
nourishes blame game and activates the fallacy of Argumentum ad Misericodiam
(Appeal to pity) instead of seeking to provide sustainable solutions that will be fair
and accommodative to all interested parties.

Ladies and gentlemen, insecurity is not peculiar to any locality, it can only be
escalated in a particular place through the actions and inactions of those saddled with the responsibility of leadership. At a time such as this, people of conscience must rise to be counted on the side of truth and national cohesion. We cannot continue
to stand aloof and watch how some of our leaders are taking advantage of the
unfortunate situation to sustain their barefaced accumulation of political capital and
material fortune to the detriment of the ordinary people and our long years of
friendship. We, the people will always end up as the ultimate losers.
This is why we are equally deeply worried at the nonchalant attitude of the Governor
of Benue State to the sustained deterioration of security situation at Katsina Ala,
Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas of Benue State otherwise generally
referred to as the Sankera Axis, where human beings are being killed on a daily
basis and properties worth hundreds of millions are destroyed. These are local
bandits whose activities were initially fueled by political actors and later, through
the poor handling of an amnesty program that resulted into betrayals and attendant conspiracy theories that culminated in the killing of a repentant militant while under
the amnesty cover.
Today, that part of the State is a no go area and the number of Internally Displaced
Persons (IDPs) is steadily on the rise with no corresponding efforts to ameliorate
their sufferings. Rather, the situation is greatly downplayed with a distractive
strategy of shifting attention to the negative ethnic profiling of the Fulani people to
the neglect of the internally induced banditry.

We therefore call on the State government to address the challenges being caused by
enemies within before channeling their energies in meaningless propaganda and
sentiments tied around the supposed repelling of external aggressors. This is even
more worrisome in that, the highly acclaimed and applauded anti open grazing
prohibition law passed in Benue looks as though it was intended to be simply a
literature for propaganda even as nothing seems to be on ground to further and push
for its implementation or even an intent to.

We commend the efforts of our security agencies, who notwithstanding the
challenges of engaging in an unconventional warfare, daily put their lives on the line
in defending the territorial integrity of the Nigerian State. But while we make such
commendations, we must not shy away from the reality that, as long as this challenge
is not overcome, their efforts are yet good enough.

In this wise, we call on them to step up their intelligence gathering and identify those
behind certain groups such as the acclaimed Fulani Nationality Movement
(FUNAM) who were said to have taken responsibility for the supposed attack on the
Governor of Benue State. FUNAM and related groups are the ones fueling the crisis
by their utterances which are calculated at substantiating certain narratives. The
security agencies should investigate and arrest those behind these platforms of
propaganda and bring them to justice.

Finally, Albert Einstein is famously quoted to have said, “We cannot solve our
problems with the same thinking we used to create them”. It is therefore obvious
that our leaders at all levels appear to have missed their way in the search for peace,
national healing and harmonious co-existence. We watched with pains over the years
and we have exhausted our patience as our leaders continue to demonstrate
incompetence and helplessness at the time our Nation need urgent solutions for
national rebirth. The time to halt this cluelessness is now and WE are the people to do it.

We have resolved to offer an alternative narrative to our experience and we are
equally committed to championing a new strategy for Northern cohesion in
particular and National integration in general. Every well-meaning Nigerian is
hereby called upon to join in this drive for the preservation and restoration of
the soul of our future.
Thank you all and God bless
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Long live the Middle-Belt of Nigeria

Signed:
Wilfred Terhide Bula
Convener
For and on behalf of;
MIDDLE-BELT HERITAGE GROUP

News

Lebanese expatriate worker sues GOC 2 Div, others, for alleged unlawful detention, demands N2bn as damages

Published

26 minutes ago

August 11, 2025

Our Reporter

Ibrahim Nassar, a Lebanese expatriate worker with Phoenix Import and Export Limited in Kwara State, has gone to the Federal High Court, Ilorin Division, seeking an order compelling the Nigerian Army to release him immediately from his four-month detention without trial.

In a suit filed on his behalf by his counsel, the applicant identified himself as a citizen of
Lebanon with a valid passport and a lawful resident in Nigeria with a validly issued
Comprehensive Expatriate Residence Permit, and that he has been living and working
with Phoenix Import and Export Limited, Kaiama in Baruten Local Government Area,
Kwara State for some time now, without any criminal record.

In the Suit No. FHC/IL/CS/87/2025 between Ibrahim Nassar (Applicant) and the General Officer, Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major-general Obinna Onubogu; the Chief of Army Staff and; the Nigerian Army (as 1st, 2nd and 3rd Respondents, respectively), the Lebanese complained that he was unlawfully arrested on 9th May, 2025 by the officers of the 2nd respondent at the instruction or command of the 1st respondent.

According to Nassar, he was detained for many days and was released by the Department of State Security (DSS) when he was not found culpable for any criminal activities. He said he was re-arrested on the 16th June, 2025 and has since been in detention up to now without any criminal charge against him.

Describing his arrest and detention without any justification as illegal, unwarranted, wrongful and unconstitutional, the Lebanese further told the court that he is both asthmatic and diabetic, among other serious medical conditions, and need to seek medical attention.

He alleged that while in the detention of the respondents, he was humiliated, tortured and harassed in order to self-incriminate himself, which he stood his ground against.

He further alleged that he was treated inhumanly as he was detained in a very dark and fearful confinement like a common criminal. In addition, he claimed that he was not fed well and when he ought to be fed, he was just given a very small portion of any meal available not minding the fact that he is not a Nigerian who is no exposed to any sort of foods.

The application by Ibrahim Nassar for an order for the enforcement of his fundamental
Human rights under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as
amended), the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and
Enforcement) Act CAP A9 LFN 2004, United Nations declaration of Human Rights, 1948,
and Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 2009, was filed by his counsel,
Prof. M.T. Adekilekun Esq, leading Shareef Mohammed Esq., Prof. A.O. Sambo, Oludare
W. Akanbi, Esq, Maryann Osuyak (Miss) and, A.S Adeyemi, Esq.

In the suit, Ibrahim Nassar is also seeking an order and declaration of the court that his continuous arrest, detention, humiliation, torture, inhuman treatment and harassment by the respondents is unlawful, illegal, ultra vires and grossly violates the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal republic of Nigeria (as amended), the African Charter on Human and peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, United Nations Declaration of Human rights, 1948.

He is also seeking an order of the court that he be paid exemplary and aggravated damages in the sum of One Billion Naira (N1, 000, 000, 000) only against the respondents jointly and severally as a result of the infringement of his fundamental rights to personal liberty and dignity of human person, harassments, intimidation, threats and public ridicule occasioned by the Respondents on the applicant.

In addition, Nassar is demanding payment of another One Billion Naira (N1, 000, 000, 000) as General Damages against the respondents jointly and severally for his unlawful detention, as well as an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Respondents by themselves, their officers, servants, agents and privies from: (i) arresting, threatening, intimidating, restraining, harassing and humiliating him or threats thereof.

In an affidavit in support of originating motion for enforcement of fundamental human
right of the applicant, one Vandi Vatiki of Czar Farms Limited, Oke oyi, Ilorin Kwara
State and Phoenix Import and Export Limited, averred that sometime on 9th May, 2025, “the officers of the Nigerian Army (the 3rd respondent) came in a gestapo manner, fully armed with weapons, and bumped into the hotel room of the applicant in Kaiama, Baruten Local Government Area, Kwara State and arrested him without warrant of arrest and any offence alleged against him.

“That when myself and applicant’s co-Lebanese present made enquiries as to the
offence committed by the applicant, no any reason whatsoever was given.

“That I know as a matter of fact that the applicant was first taken to Sobi Barracks
where he was detained unlawfully and after sometime was transferred to 2nd Division
of the Nigerian Army, Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan, Oyo State.

“That the applicant was detained without any offence alleged against him for more than
two weeks and every attempt to get the applicant released proved abortive.

“That one of the steps taken to ensure the release of the applicant was the
engagement of Rashidi Isamotu Esq., to apply for the release of applicant who upon
being engaged wrote a letter titled: “Request for Release of Ibrahim Nassar” dated 20th
May, 2025 to the 1st respondent.

“That instead of the 1st respondent to yield to the simple request since nothing
incriminating was traced to or found with the applicant, he ordered the transfer of the
applicant to the office of Department of DSS Oyo State Command, Ibadan for profiling
and further investigation, having spent two weeks with them at Odogbo Barracks,
Ibadan’

“That the office of DSS in Ibadan, upon proper profiling and investigation of the
applicant, found him not culpable for any offence hence, found no reason why it should
keep the applicant in their custody and consequently transferred the applicant to Kwara
State Command, Ilorin, the state where the applicant was arrested.

“That on getting to Ilorin, the DSS in Ilorin too found nothing incriminating about the applicant and consequently released the applicant without any further delay or hindrance whatsoever.

“That the applicant thought the storm was over and was making attempt to settle down
and attend to his health which has deteriorated due to the unlawful detention,
humiliation and torture meted against him by the 1st respondent and other officers of
the 3rd respondent, he was re-arrested on the 16th June, 2025 by the officers of
the 3rd respondent at the mandate and command of the 1st respondent without warrant
of arrest.

“That the applicant upon being re-arrested on 16th June, 2025 was taken straight to
Odogbo Barracks of the 2 Division of the 3rd respondent like the previous arrest and has
been unlawfully and wrongfully detained since then under the watch of the 1st
respondent who the 2nd respondent failed to check (despite having knowledge of the
unlawful arrest) without any crime alleged against or charge framed against him till
now.

“That attempt was made to secure the release of the applicant again by still engaging
the services of Rasidi Isamotu Esq to write a complaint to the Chief of Army staff, the
2nd respondent in respect of the conduct of the 1st respondent and his officers on the
unlawful detention of the applicant.

That the said Rashidi Isamotu wrote the complaint on the 19th June, 2025 and same
was received and acknowledged by the office of 2nd respondent at Army Headquarters,
FCT, Abuja on the 26th June, 2025.

“That the family and friends of the applicant are in disarray now as nothing is even
heard of the applicant again, making them to be subjected to psychological torture, to
the point that other expatriates working with our company are now living in fear and
trembling as a result of the illegal action of the respondents.

“That sequel to the above, many (if not all) of our expatriates have left the country because they feel that their lives are not safe and secured with the inhuman treated made against the applicant coupled with the unlawful arrest and detention. It could be anybody.

That the applicant has not been charged with any offence before any court of Law in
Nigeria.

“That if this Honourable Court do not intervene as a matter of urgency the life of the
applicant is under imminent threat and may lead to his death.

That unless this application is granted, the applicant will continue to suffer violation of
his fundamental rights of freedom of movement and personal liberty as well as dignity
of human person.

As of the time of this report, the 2nd Division of the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Army headquarters, Abuja, were still to respond to a message sent over the weekend, seeking their comments on the allegations by the Lebanese.

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

News

Oluwole Foundation Lifts 70 Branch Members Of C&S Church in Ilorin

Published

10 hours ago

August 11, 2025

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Barely a month after empowering no fewer than 70 members at the headquarters of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, the Oluwole Foundation has extended the noble gesture to 24 branches of the Church within Ilorin metropolis and Oke-Oyi.

In the new dispensation, the Oluwole Foundation provided material and financial support to additional 70 beneficiaries, costing the Foundation about N37m.

Fielding questions from journalists on the sideline of the programme, the Chairman of the Foundation, Pastor Moses Ademola Popoola, said the extension of the empowerment programme this year to the branches of the Church was in obedience to divine instruction and as a means to tackle poverty within the Church community.

“We have 62 branches under our Church, but this is the first time we are going beyond our headquarters. For now, we have covered 24 Churches and empowered 70 people, spending close to N37 million. This is not just charity; it’s also evangelism. Some people will not be converted through preaching but through welfare,” Pastor Popoola explained.

He urged beneficiaries to take the gesture seriously, work hard, and extend help to others, assuring the congregants of further expansion of the empowerment programme to cover more beneficiaries in the coming years.

“They should not see this as a national cake. Be prudent, save, grow your business, and from what you have, help someone else. That way, we help the family, society, and the nation,” he cautioned.

Pastor Popoola also called on other foundations, especially those owned by Christians, to carry out their work with sincerity, rather than for personal gain. “This service is first to God, then to society. When we help people genuinely, we reduce poverty, crime, and unemployment.”

The cleric, however, stressed the need for the government to prioritise agriculture and rural development in order to tackle poverty and unemployment ravaging the nation.

He added: “Every wealthy nation built its economy on agriculture. So, government should secure our farmlands, provide tractors, and support our farmers holistically. Let each region focus on its strength, like cocoa in the West and groundnut in the North. We must also develop rural areas with electricity, motorable roads, hospitals, and jobs to curb rural-urban migration.”

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Janet Shaba, who expressed gratitude to the Oluwole Foundation for the kind gesture, promised that they would make judicious use of the items received.

End

News

Audu Ogbeh’s death a big loss for North Central: Kwara Gov

Published

10 hours ago

August 11, 2025

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has expressed sadness over the death of former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh.

Governor AbdulRazaq said the death of Chief Audu Ogbeh is a big loss to the North Central Region, calling him a statesman, thoughts leader, and nationalist.

“Chief Audu Ogbeh was a dependable leader of our region. He earned the respect of all on account of his outstanding leadership and service to the nation at different times, especially during his time as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development,” the Governor said in a statement on Sunday.

Governor AbdulRazaq has, however, sent his heartfelt condolences to the people and government of Benue State and to his family and associates.

He prayed to God to give the family the strength to bear the huge loss.

End