By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has rejected the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund (NNSTF), urging governors in the region to prioritise state-level security initiatives instead of contributing to the regional fund.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its National Spokesman, Luka Binniyat, the forum said it had concerns about the structure and purpose of the NNSTF, whose Board of Trustees was inaugurated on July 8. The MBF alleged that the fund was designed to serve interests beyond security, but did not provide evidence to substantiate the claim. It also expressed concern that funds could be used to support the rehabilitation of suspected terrorists and bandits described as “repentant.”
The forum said Middle Belt communities had suffered significant human and material losses from insecurity, including deaths, displacement and the destruction of communities and farmlands. While supporting the establishment of state police and efforts to tackle terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, the MBF opposed what it described as large monthly contributions to a regional security fund.
It urged states to invest directly in local intelligence, surveillance, emergency response, community security, reconstruction and the resettlement of displaced families.The forum also questioned the continued participation of Middle Belt states in the Northern States Governors’ Forum and said it would challenge the legality of any mandatory contributions to the NNSTF.
