Nigeria’s Insecurity: Bitrus Demands End To Open Grazing, Deportation Of Foreign Herdsmen

President of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Pogu Bitrus, has raised alarm over the persistent attacks in Nigeria’s North-Central region, describing them as deliberate acts by Fulani terrorists against farmers and innocent residents.

Speaking with Daily Post, Bitrus dismissed the notion of mere “farmers-herders clashes,” insisting the violence has escalated into coordinated terrorist operations. “What we’re witnessing now is different; these terrorists not only shoot victims but burn them alive in their homes. This is a new, horrifying trend,” he said.

Bitrus faulted Nigeria’s security agencies for failing to act, despite knowing the attackers’ hideouts. “They are all in Nasarawa. From there, they launch attacks on Benue, Plateau, Southern Kaduna, and Taraba. Security forces are aware but do nothing, even when distress calls are made. It’s unacceptable,” he lamented.

Questions Federal Government’s Commitment

The MBF leader criticized the federal government for restricting citizens from arming themselves for protection. “Who is the National Security Adviser? A Fulani man. Who’s the Minister of Defense? Another Fulani. Even the Minister of State for Defense and reportedly the NSA’s deputy — all Fulani,” he noted, arguing that such concentration raises troubling questions.

He suggested this imbalance may be emboldening attacks. “Is this deliberate to give these terrorists easy passage? Something is fundamentally wrong with our governance,” he said.

Genocidal Agenda?

When asked if the attacks amounted to genocide, Bitrus agreed. “Absolutely. The killings in Benue, Plateau, and elsewhere target specific ethnic groups. Many victims now languish in IDP camps. Shockingly, governments are rewarding the aggressors by allocating land to them,” he alleged.

Bitrus also dismissed claims linking the attacks to Benue’s anti-open grazing law. According to him, the law was a response to violence already underway. “They were attacking long before that law. The only permanent solution is ranching, but they’ve refused because foreign Fulani from Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and other countries are being brought in to settle and alter Nigeria’s demography,” he warned.

Proposes Ranching, State Police, Reversal Of Movement Protocol

To end the crisis, Bitrus proposed setting up state police across all local government areas to replace failed vigilante groups. He also urged scrapping the protocol signed by former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami that permits free movement of herders nationwide, insisting foreign Fulani must be sent back to their countries.

“Every community should identify their local Fulani families who’ve lived with them since independence and let them practise ranching. This is the globally accepted system,” Bitrus said, adding, “Our motto remains: our people, our land, our education — and we’re ready to defend our land.”