Alleged Christian Killings: Southern, Middle Belt Leaders Oppose Foreign Military Intervention

Alleged Christian Killings: Southern, Middle Belt Leaders Oppose Foreign Military Intervention

The National Caucus of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has strongly opposed any form of foreign military intervention in Nigeria, despite rising terrorist attacks across the country. The group’s stance comes in response to recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened to deploy American forces to Nigeria over alleged persecution and mass killings of Christians.

In a communiqué issued after its weekend meeting, the SMBLF described the U.S. designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) as a serious warning signal, but emphasized that Nigeria must address its internal security challenges independently.

“While the SMBLF affirms its opposition to any unsolicited foreign military intervention in Nigeria, we consider the CPC designation a wake-up call to the Federal Government to urgently halt the ongoing mayhem and killings,” the communiqué stated.

The document was jointly signed by HRM Oba Oladipo Olaitan (Afenifere), Dr. Bitrus Pogu (Middle Belt Forum), Senator John Azuta-Mbata (Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide), and Ambassador Godknows Igali (PANDEF).

The forum urged the Federal Government to take decisive action by disarming and prosecuting militias, killer herdsmen, and extremist groups responsible for violence across several states, including Benue, Plateau, Southern Kaduna, Taraba, Gombe, Southern Borno, and Southern Kebbi.

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It also called for the restoration of ancestral lands to rightful owners in affected communities, describing the issue as central to peace and justice.

While welcoming President Bola Tinubu’s recent reshuffling of Service Chiefs, the SMBLF called for further reforms in the national security structure. Specifically, the group urged changes in the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Minister of Defence, and the Minister of State for Defence, noting that all three currently hail from the same region.

“Such adjustments would ensure a comprehensive overhaul of the national defence architecture while reflecting Nigeria’s diversity,” the communiqué noted.

Reaffirming its commitment to the unity and continued coexistence of the Nigerian Federation, the SMBLF emphasized that all citizens and ethnic nationalities must enjoy equal respect and a genuine sense of belonging.

The leaders also appealed to President Tinubu to facilitate the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, as a step toward national healing and reconciliation.

In a final resolution, the forum declared its support for retaining the presidency in Southern Nigeria in 2027, in line with the North-South rotational arrangement adopted by political parties since 1999.

The communiqué reflects growing calls for inclusive governance, regional equity, and a renewed commitment to addressing Nigeria’s complex security and political challenges through dialogue and reform.

Alleged Christian Killings: Southern, Middle Belt Leaders Oppose Foreign Military Intervention