Middle Belt Forum Rejects N1bn Security Fund Contribution

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has expressed strong opposition to the Northern governors' plan to contribute N1 billion monthly each towards the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund (NNSTF). Mr.

Luka Binniyat, the MBF spokesman, stated that the governors should instead use their states' contributions to enhance security directly within their states. He emphasized that the Middle Belt has endured significant violence, resulting in numerous deaths and destruction of communities.

The MBF criticized the Northern States Governors’ Forum for rarely condemning the violence against Middle Belt communities and alleged that the NNSTF is a scheme by the Sokoto Caliphate and Borno Sultanate to fund their interests. The forum plans to challenge the legality of the monthly contributions and suggested that funds should be allocated to empower local communities, improve local intelligence, and rebuild affected areas.

The MBF's stance reflects a broader discontent with the Northern governors' approach to regional security.