By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has called for closer cooperation between communities in the Middle Belt and Hausa-speaking areas of northern Nigeria to address insecurity and strengthen regional collaboration.In a statement signed by its spokesman, Luka Binniyat, the forum expressed support for recent comments by the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Muhammad Samaila Mera, who urged communities to become more organised in responding to security challenges, including banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.
According to the MBF, many communities across the Middle Belt and parts of northern Nigeria have suffered significant human and economic losses as a result of persistent insecurity.The forum said it shares the Emir’s concerns and believes greater collaboration among communities, within the framework of the law, could help improve local security and resilience.The statement also urged traditional rulers across the Middle Belt to engage their communities on lawful measures to enhance public safety and support existing security efforts.
In addition, the MBF called for stronger engagement between the peoples of the Middle Belt and Hausa communities on issues of security, economic development and political participation.The forum said it plans to consult stakeholders across both regions with the aim of convening a Security and Political Summit before 2027 to discuss shared challenges and possible areas of cooperation. The MBF stated that dialogue, mutual understanding and collaboration remain essential to promoting peace, stability and development across northern Nigeria.
