By Ekani Olikita
Leaders from Central Nigeria’s Middle Belt condemned Nigerian security agencies for failure and lackluster responses to sustained terrorist attacks on Christian communities
In separate interviews with TruthNigeria, the leaders accused security authorities of indifference, operational weakness and a troubling pattern of delayed intervention despite repeated early warnings from affected communities. They said the violence—largely attributed to armed Fulani Ethnic Militia and allied terror groups—has resulted in mass killings, destruction of farmlands and the displacement of thousands of predominantly Christian farmers.
“What we are witnessing is not just insecurity; it is organized persecution,” said Ukan Kurugh, a Middle Belt human rights advocate and public affairs analyst.
“Communities alert security agencies ahead of attacks, yet nothing is done until after lives are lost. This raises serious questions about capacity, commitment, or complicity.”
Kurugh noted that Christian villages in parts of Benue, Plateau, Southern Kaduna and Nasarawa states have suffered repeated attacks without meaningful arrests or prosecutions, a situation he said has emboldened perpetrators and entrenched fear in rural communities.
Echoing similar concerns, Chief Godwin Onah, the Agatu County Traditional Ruler in Benue State, said Christian farmers have effectively been abandoned.
“Our people can no longer go to their farms, yet security checkpoints are everywhere,” he said. “If these agencies are truly neutral, why are attackers able to strike, retreat and return without resistance? Hunger is now being weaponized against Christian communities.”
Chief Onah added that the destruction of farms and food supply chains has deepened poverty and displacement, forcing thousands into overcrowded camps with little or no government support.
In Plateau State, Solomon Dalyop Mwantiri, National Chairman of the Berom Youth Molders Association, cited the January 20, 2026, attack on Gyel District in Jos South County, where seven youths were killed.
“When armed Fulani jihadists, speaking Fulfulde and shouting ‘Allahu Akbar,’ attacked our community, we expected aerial surveillance and pursuit of the attackers,” he said. “None came.”
Mwantiri also accused sections of the local and international media of underreporting or downplaying what he described as an ongoing genocide against Christians in the Middle Belt.
For Rev. Father Cletus Bua of St. Xavier Catholic Parish, Agagbe and a peace advocate in Benue State, the crisis represents a moral and national failure.
“When citizens are killed because of their faith and the country looks away, it sends a dangerous signal,” he said. “Security agencies must rise above politics and act decisively. Silence and inaction only encourage evil.”
He urged the Federal Government to urgently review security operations, adopt technology-driven intelligence gathering and ensure transparent investigations and prosecutions.
Kurmin Wali Kidnappings Deepen Anger
Public anger has also intensified in Kurmin Wali, a predominantly Christian community in Afogo Precinct of Kajuru County, Kaduna State, following the January 18, 2026 abduction of 166 worshippers from three churches.
Residents accused the military of failing to rescue the victims, despite reports that the kidnappers were seen moving freely through forest corridors between Ungwan Gamu and Maro communities.
According to community leader Ishaku Dan’azumi, the abductors trekked with their captives without encountering resistance from security forces.
Some residents told Punch newspaper that, escaped victims were initially asked to guide troops along the kidnappers’ route, but the soldiers later halted and withdrew.
“They stopped after a short distance and turned back,” a resident said. “They later left the village without confronting the criminals.”
Another resident, identified as Ayuba, said the soldiers appeared unwilling to pursue the kidnappers deep into the forest.
A motorcyclist from neighboring Maykali community said residents initially welcomed the military deployment, believing it would block known escape routes used by armed groups across southern Kaduna and parts of Niger State.
‘Security Agencies Know the Hideouts’
The National President of the Middle Belt Forum, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, said security agencies are aware of criminal hideouts and must act decisively to dismantle them.
He also called on friendly foreign governments, including the United States, to support Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.
Pogu alleged that some groups were using religion as a cover to terrorize the country and urged authorities to expose and prosecute those funding and aiding the criminals.
While stressing that Middle Belt leaders do not seek Nigeria’s breakup, Pogu warned that continued violence could push the country toward instability.
“Nobody wants Nigeria divided,” he said. “But if insecurity continues unchecked, the consequences will be grave.”
Military Responds
Responding to public criticism, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Micheal Onoja, said the military was working closely with other security agencies to carry out sustained, intelligence-driven operations in Kaduna State and surrounding forests.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain unwavering in its mandate to protect lives and property,” Onoja said, adding that efforts were ongoing to reunite the kidnapped Kurmin Wali worshippers with their families.
Ekani Olikita, is a Conflict Reporter for TruthNigeria.
