Middle Belt Christian Youths Decry Killings, Land Grabbing, Demand Govt Action

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

The Youth Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) from Benue, Southern Bauchi, Southern Kaduna, and Plateau states have raised the alarm over what they described as systematic killings, destruction of farmlands, and the forceful takeover of ancestral lands in the region by gunmen.

Speaking at a press conference, the spokesman of the group, Mr. Jethro Dooyum, said the situation in the Middle Belt has gone beyond what is often described as farmers-herders clashes or communal disputes, noting that the attacks are deliberate, coordinated, and religiously motivated, aimed at displacing indigenous Christian communities from their ancestral homes.

Dooyum explained that the continuous destruction of homes and farmlands, as well as the forceful occupation of villages, has left thousands displaced and living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.

He noted that the violence has been accompanied by killings, kidnappings, rape, abductions, and forced conversions, with women and children being the most vulnerable.

He also drew attention to what he described as systemic marginalisation in governance, citing the refusal to implement the already gazetted Zaar Chiefdom in Bauchi State and the imposition of traditional leaders on predominantly Christian communities. These, he said, are clear indicators of discrimination and disregard for the rights of indigenous people.

The group insisted that the true nature of the crisis must be acknowledged as ethnic and religious cleansing in order for Nigeria to find lasting solutions. They demanded the immediate return of displaced persons to their ancestral lands, the protection of farmers’ rights, and a review of the security architecture to strengthen community policing and restore confidence in state authorities.

Calling on the government for the disarmament of attackers, prosecution of perpetrators, and professionalism among security forces, Dooyum warned that justice and accountability are central to restoring peace. He urged political leaders to desist from politicising the crisis, warning that continued inaction could lead to a breakdown of law and order in the region.