The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has expressed deep concern over the silence of the Presidency regarding the ongoing mass killings in several Tiv and Idoma communities in Benue State.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide immediate relief to survivors of the carefully coordinated attacks on the communities of Tadai, Manguna, Hurti, Ruwi, and Dafo?all located in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.

In a statement signed by its spokesman, Comrade Luka Binniyat, the MBF posited that hardly a day passes without reports of fresh attacks, arson, killings, and kidnappings targeting these communities in many Benue communities.

The Forum highlighted that it has been receiving disturbing reports of the steady displacement of hundreds of people fleeing to nearby areas perceived to be safer. Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from these communities, living in appalling conditions with little or no support.

?To be fair, the military and security agencies have made commendable efforts and recorded some successes. Yet, the violence continues unabated. We firmly believe that if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu were to issue a similarly strong public condemnation of these atrocities and order a robust pursuit of the perpetrators, it would inject new momentum into the fight against these agents of terror.

?Furthermore, IDPs in the Tiv-Idoma axis are in desperate need of relief materials, as many are now forced to live in destitution?.

The MBF therefore urged the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to raise his voice in defense of his people adding that as the Chief Security Officer of the state, he must mobilize local communities to serve as the first line of defense while awaiting external intervention.

It added that the governor must also vocally condemn the ongoing destruction of lives and property and make urgent appeals for help.

The Forum further commended the Nigerian military and security agencies for the improved security in many parts of the Middle Belt and encouraged the people of the geo-political zone l to extend their full cooperation and support to the forces who are risking their lives to defend them. (Nigerian Tribune)