The Middle Belt Youth Congress (MBYC) has commemorated the first anniversary of the Yelewata Massacre, renewing calls for decisive action by governments, traditional institutions, religious leaders, and the international community to address the persistent insecurity ravaging communities across the Middle Belt region.
In a statement issued on Friday, the President of the Middle Belt Youth Congress, Obande Gideon, mourned the more than 200 victims—mostly women and children—who were reportedly killed in their sleep during the June 13, 2025 attack on Yelewata community.
The group expressed concern over the recurring attacks on communities in Benue, Plateau, and Southern Kaduna, describing the situation as a grave threat to lives, livelihoods, and national food security.
According to the statement, the continued violence has severely affected the predominantly agrarian population of the Middle Belt, limiting the region’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to food production and efforts to address hunger.
The Congress commended ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s policing system, particularly discussions around state policing, describing such measures as necessary steps toward improving security. It, however, urged lawmakers to expedite the process while ensuring adequate safeguards against political interference.
“The need for proactive measures cannot be overstated. Security reforms must be pursued with urgency and implemented in a manner that guarantees effectiveness and accountability,” the statement noted.
The group also called for the resettlement of displaced communities and adequate compensation for victims who have suffered permanent injuries or disabilities as a result of the attacks.
Furthermore, the MBYC emphasized the importance of securing schools and other learning environments, warning that continued attacks on educational institutions could undermine the future of young people in the region.
“We must not allow any individual or group to compromise our educational system through acts of violence and insecurity,” the statement said.
The Congress also advocated for the recruitment of more personnel into the nation’s security agencies to strengthen their capacity to respond to emerging security challenges.
“As young people of Middle Belt extraction, we remain committed to holding all stakeholders accountable until insecurity is permanently brought to an end in the Middle Belt and across Nigeria,” Gideon stated.
The group concluded by offering prayers for the victims of violence across the region.
“May the souls of all the departed rest in peace.”
