Journalists Seek End To Killings In Middle Belt

The Middle Belt Journalists Forum has described as unacceptable the killing of at least 112 people and abduction of 160 persons and displacement of thousands in Kaduna and Plateau states between July 3, and August 5, 2021.

The Forum said it is desirous to work with credible international organizations to ending the senseless killings in the middle belt.

A statement issued in Jos, Plateau State on Wednesday by the President of the Forum, Jonathan Ipaa, said the partnership has become necessary going by the low active stance of the state actors in the affected areas.

Ipaa noted that the continued killings in Plateau, Southern Kaduna, Nasarawa, Benue and others parts of the Middle Belt with the security agencies doing less, calls for concern.

The media Forum said it was planning a conference on the matter, adding that it would bring together reputable international organizations to address the issues raised especially how the media would assist in taming the monsters.

Ipaa further said, the partnership with Amnesty International and other non-state base organizations was the sure way to keep the government on its toes and expose the failure of other key players expected to end the massacre.

The Forum further said that it was in agreement with the Amnesty International which also noted that the failure of Nigerian authorities to protect lives and property has enabled the bloody attacks in some communities in Plateau and Kaduna states.

It also said that despite signs of retaliatory attacks, not enough was done to avert the bloodshed, thereby fuelling the ongoing circle of violence.

The Forum therefore wants the authorities to bring perpetrators of the violent attacks to book, stressing that from its findings in Jos and Southern Kaduna alone, at least 112 people were killed, 160 abducted and thousands displaced from July 3 to August 5, 2021.