The Middle Belt, once Nigeria’s bastion of peace and cultural harmony, has tragically become synonymous with bloodshed and displacement. Once home to vibrant farming communities and a symbol of inter-ethnic coexistence, the region (stretching from Benue to Plateau, Nasarawa, Taraba and parts of Niger and Kogi states) now reels under the weight of incessant bloody violence perpetrated by armed militias, largely identified as Fulani. What began as sporadic farmer–herder clashes has evolved into a full-scale humanitarian and security crisis, with entire villages razed, farmlands destroyed and thousands of lives lost.
These persistent attacks have not only devastated the agricultural economy of the region, Nigeria’s traditional food basket, but have also laid bare the failure of the nation’s security institutions. The brazenness with which these militias strike, often for hours without any intervention from security agencies, exposes a disturbing pattern of state inertia and raises painful questions about the government’s capacity, or even willingness, to safeguard its citizens.
It must be emphasised that the problem does not lie with the Fulani ethnic group as a whole. Many Fulani communities live peacefully and contribute positively to national development. The real culprits are the armed criminal elements who, under the guise of defending grazing routes or pursuing ethnic interests and religious, have unleashed terror with impunity. Unfortunately, the inability of authorities to differentiate between peaceful herders and violent militias has deepened mistrust and fanned the flames of ethnic hatred across the Middle Belt.
Curbing this menace demands more than mere condemnation or belated military responses. Therefore, the Federal Government, which has the sole control of the security apparatus of the country, must demonstrate political will through sustained, coordinated and intelligence-driven action. Security agencies, on their part, must be proactive rather than reactive, with a clear chain of command and accountability for failures. Intelligence gathering, rapid response systems and community surveillance networks must be strengthened to prevent rather than merely respond to attacks.
Equally crucial is the urgent need to disarm all unauthorised armed groups. Today, several militias across the Middle Belt appear better equipped than local police formations, a grim reality that underscores the proliferation of illegal weapons in the country. Government must initiate a transparent and comprehensive disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) programme to rid communities of illicit arms and rehabilitate those willing to renounce violence.
Beyond security operations, addressing the root causes of the conflict is paramount. Disputes over land ownership, population pressure and climate-induced migration have all heightened competition for scarce resources. Governments at all levels must adopt modern livestock management systems, including ranching and provide incentives for herders to settle and integrate peacefully into host communities. Such measures will not only reduce friction but also open up new avenues for economic participation and social harmony.
Furthermore, the rebuilding of peace must begin from within the affected communities. Traditional rulers, religious leaders and civil society groups have critical roles to play in reconciliation and dialogue. Reviving community peace committees, promoting inclusive dialogue and fostering local partnerships for early warning and conflict prevention can help restore trust and avert cycles of revenge attacks.
Justice must also be firm, fair and blind. Selective prosecution, ethnic profiling and political interference have only worsened the crisis. Those who orchestrate, fund or carry out attacks must be held accountable regardless of their identity or influence. Certainly, the rule of law must prevail if peace is to return to the Middle Belt.
No doubt, the region remains central to Nigeria’s food security and unity. Allowing it to slide further into chaos is not only a betrayal of its people but also a direct threat to the nation’s survival. The time for rhetoric is long past. What Nigeria needs now is a strong, coordinated and lawful response to restore order, rebuild communities and renew hope.
If the government cannot guarantee safety in the heart of the nation, it cannot claim to have secured its borders or its future. The scourge of Fulani militias, like all other armed groups, must be tackled with firmness, fairness and transparency. Only then can the Middle Belt once again stand tall as the bridge of peace and unity in Nigeria.