Dr. Pogu Bitrus, the National President of the Middle-Belt Forum (MBF), in an interview with Vanguard News, sheds light on the reasons behind the ongoing killings in the Middle-Belt. He also asserts that religion is being exploited to gather support for the displacement of indigenous people, making way for outsiders to take over their land.
Addressing the second part of the question, he states, “Our response will remain a secret for now. We will not disclose our plans until the results are evident.” Regarding the killings, he stresses that they are intentional. “Whether political forces are attempting to destabilize the region is irrelevant to us. Our concern is that our people are being murdered.” He also dismisses the previously promoted narrative of a “herders-farmers” conflict, saying that Nigerians now fully understand there is no such thing. Instead, organized groups terrorize the local population, killing them in their sleep, seizing their land, and pushing them into internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
He continues, “As I mentioned, our response will remain private for now, but the results will speak for themselves. We have cried out for too long, and it’s time for action.”
I don’t agree with that claim. It’s impossible for a ragtag insurgent group to overpower a well-equipped military like Nigeria’s, which has both an Air Force and an Army and all the necessary logistical support. Most of these insurgents travel on motorbikes, with only a few using gun trucks. While they may use anti-aircraft guns to extend their range against our military, which primarily uses AK-47s, the Nigerian military has air support and advanced surveillance capabilities far beyond what these groups possess. What I believe is happening is that there are subversive elements within the system that are undermining the Nigerian government and security forces, giving these insurgents more freedom to operate.
This is why I’ve said we have lamented for too long. Any response must be strategic, well-planned, and organized. What I’m suggesting is that we wait. Soon, you’ll see the results of our actions. People are now talking about a new terrorist group and speculating about foreign mercenaries. But the truth is, this has always been the case.
The individuals attacking Nigerians have historically included foreign participants, and that’s nothing new. Even the Fulani we’re discussing aren’t all Nigerians. But here’s the thing—foreigners can’t navigate unfamiliar terrain alone. They rely on Nigerians to guide them and help them operate. Additionally, Nigerian support can’t be ruled out, as these attackers are not faceless entities; they are people with local backing and resources.
There are claims that some indigenous people provide information to terrorists, collaborating with them. This is indeed true. The locals play two roles: some share information with our security forces, which is natural since the forces have trained intelligence officers, sometimes posing as hawkers or other civilians.
On the other hand, the insurgents also have informants who relay crucial details to them. When religious sentiments are involved—such as convincing people that fighting against these insurgents is part of a jihad—some indigenous people may be swayed to support and cooperate with the attackers. However, the core point remains: a Nigerian is a Nigerian, whether they follow Christianity, Islam, or traditional beliefs.
In the Southwest, there is a greater sense of unity among the people. Here, no one concerns themselves with whether someone is a Muslim, Christian, or follows traditional beliefs. What matters most is identifying as Yoruba. This is in contrast to the Northeast, where things are different. For over 200 years, certain groups have used religion to dominate others, and this exploitation continues. Some individuals believe that religious identity is necessary to gain equal standing in society. With such deep-rooted norms and behaviors, informants emerge who prioritize sentiments over principles or the collective survival instinct that should unite everyone.
Reflecting on the past, I remember listening to Shekau before he was killed. Whenever Shekau or his group launched an attack, he would release a video. In these videos, he would always appear after the death of their previous leader.
He said, “Mohammed Yusuf. He said in the video, which was in Hausa, that any Muslim who assists unbelievers in the fight, which they claim was a religious one, or is a religious one, would also be annihilated or terminated or whichever term one would want to use.”
When a Muslim group refuses to cooperate or supports the government’s position on certain issues, or if members are suspected of aiding government forces, they become targets. Additionally, ethnic factors play a role in these attacks. For instance, if the Fulani are acting as militia and there is a predominantly Hausa mosque, the Fulani may attack that mosque, viewing the Hausas, who have formed vigilante groups against them, as their enemies. This adds a layer of complexity, especially when these attacks on mosques are framed as part of a religious war.
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