Writing By Shindong Bala , Editing By Godwin Duru
Civic Coalition Against Mass Atrocities in the Middle Belt has expressed fears that escalating killings and kidnappings in some states have the potentials of affecting the 2027 elections if not contained within the shortest possible time.
The coalition comprising twenty one civil society organizations all within the Middle Belt Region said it has identified three major attributing factors that are fueling the violent activities.
Barrister Gloria Ballason who briefed Newsmen in Kaduna on behalf the group identified the factors to include build-up to the 2027 polls, the upcoming national census, and the misinterpretation of law establishing the Ministry of Livestock Development.
Gloria Ballason submitted that if the issues are not properly checked, the violence could undermine voter registration, suppress political participation, and distort population data that is used for legislative representation and resource allocation.
In a 12-point demand, the group called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately convene a regional security summit involving Middle Belt governors and top security chiefs to reclaim seized lands and enable the safe return of displaced persons.
The Group also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government to prioritize the constitutional mandate for the security and welfare of the people, especially distressed communities.
“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government to prioritize the Constitutional mandate for the security and welfare of the people, to deploy aids to distressed communities and ensure communities are secured for governance, census and elections.
“We remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote peace, justice, and accountability in Nigeria and are ready to collaborate with authorities both in providing the body of evidence that informs our positions and in implementing sustainable solutions to this political crisis with profound humanitarian consequence.”
Cov/Shindong Bala
