The Middle-Belt Youth Congress has expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in the Middle-Belt region following the killing of Chief Godwin Vonga, the traditional ruler of Timshat in Plateau State, and the recent attacks in Ankpali Community, Benue State.
In a statement issued by its President, Obande Gideon O., the group condoled with the governments and people of Benue and Plateau states over the tragic incidents, describing the murder of a traditional ruler as a dangerous development capable of further destabilizing the region.
The Forum noted that the killing of Chief Vonga amid rising insecurity in the Middle-Belt represents a disturbing escalation of violence and poses a significant threat to peace and stability.
According to the group, the continued attacks on residents of Ankpali Community have raised serious concerns about the motives of the perpetrators, whom it described as armed herders unwilling to embrace peaceful coexistence.
“The sustained killings in the Middle-Belt continue to raise questions about the intentions behind these attacks. The murder of a traditional ruler adds a dangerous dimension to the security challenges facing our region,” the statement said.
While acknowledging the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in addressing insecurity across the country, the group maintained that the Middle-Belt remains under severe threat and requires more decisive action.
“The Middle-Belt is bleeding profusely, and all stakeholders must unite to bring these senseless killings to an end,” the group stated.
The Congress further lamented the economic impact of the persistent violence, noting that agriculture—the primary economic driver of the region—has suffered significantly due to repeated attacks on farming communities.
It warned that the continuous killings and displacement of residents risk undermining livelihoods and food production, while creating widespread hardship across affected communities.
Calling for greater unity among the people of the region, the president of the forum, Comrade Obande urged sons and daughters of the Middle-Belt to rise in defense of their communities and work collectively toward finding lasting solutions to the insecurity crisis.
The group stressed that silence or indifference in the face of ongoing violence could be interpreted as tacit acceptance of the situation.
It also advocated for an urgent stakeholders’ meeting involving traditional rulers, community leaders, government officials, security agencies, youth groups, and other relevant actors to develop practical measures aimed at restoring peace and security.
“The need for a critical stakeholders’ meeting in the Middle-Belt has become imperative. Enough is enough. We must come together to chart a path toward ending these sustained attacks on our people,” the statement added.
The group disclosed plans to engage key stakeholders across various sectors in pursuit of what it described as a comprehensive and lasting solution to the region’s security challenges.
The group also commended the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), and other security chiefs for their commitment to combating insecurity, while emphasizing that security remains a collective responsibility.
The statement concluded with prayers for the repose of the souls of Chief Godwin Vonga and all those who lost their lives in the recent attacks.
“May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace,” the statement said.
