SMBLF Demands Tougher Stance on Terrorism in Nigeria

The Southern Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF), led by various prominent figures including John Shiklam, Oladipo Olaitan, Bitru Pogu, and others, issued a statement on Thursday in Kaduna addressing the escalating insecurity in Nigeria. They highlighted a surge in terrorist activities, citing recent violent incidents such as the killing of innocent citizens in Unguwan Rukuba, Plateau State, and the Easter Sunday attack in Kachia, Kaduna State, which resulted in 17 deaths.

The forum criticized the federal government's perceived leniency towards terrorists, referencing comments from Chief of Defence Staff Lt. Gen. Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyed, who described terrorists as "prodigal sons" deserving of reintegration. They condemned the government's deradicalization initiatives, arguing that resources should instead focus on victims of violence.

The SMBLF called for an overhaul of Nigeria's security architecture, advocating for community empowerment to defend against attacks and a policy shift prioritizing the safety of innocent citizens over leniency towards perpetrators.