The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) is calling on President Bola Tinubu to escalate operations to free all Nigerians currently held by terrorist groups. This plea comes as the group acknowledges the recent successful recovery of students and educators taken in Oyo State.
Representing the group, spokesman Luka Binniyat noted that while the Oyo rescue was a welcome development, the government must show the same urgency for victims in other regions. The forum highlighted ongoing cases in Borno and Kaduna states, including the 42 children seized from Mussa and the 36 students abducted from Lassa. Additional incidents in Shikarkir, Ariko, and Awon villages remain unresolved, leaving many families in distress.
Citing the 1999 Constitution, the MBF emphasized that state security is a fundamental obligation. The organization expressed frustration over perceived imbalances in how authorities address various kidnapping cases across the nation. They argued that the government should prioritize the freedom of innocent civilians over other concerns.
The forum challenged the administrations in Borno and Kaduna to mirror the dedication seen in the Oyo operation. Furthermore, they invited the media, civil society, and international partners to maintain pressure on behalf of those still in captivity. The group concluded that every Nigerian hostage deserves a swift rescue and a return to their family.
