NEWSDAILYNIGERIA — Middle Belt leaders and stakeholders have lamented the surge of insecurity in the region and called for regional unity to nip it in the bud.
The group emphasized the need for communities across the region to unite against insecurity, overcome fear, protect their ancestral lands, and hold political officeholders accountable for their actions.
The convocation also tasked the political class seeking its support in the 2027 general elections to do the needful, moving beyond the usual empty promises.
This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the first Fire Convocation of the Middle Belt Nation, held at Throneroom Ministries in Kafanchan, Kaduna State, from Thursday, October 15, to Saturday, October 17, 2026.
Anchored by the Vision Pioneer of Throneroom Trust Ministries, Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, the convocation attracted Christian ministers from various denominations across the 15 Middle Belt states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Others in attendance included elder statesmen, victims of violence, affected families, and resource persons specializing in peacebuilding, conflict reporting, research, and advocacy.
According to the communiqué, the gathering was organized to promote spiritual renewal, remember victims of violence, and encourage a renewed commitment to peace, justice, freedom, and sustainable development.
Participants expressed deep concern over persistent insecurity, including killings, banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping, warning that prolonged violence and an atmosphere of fear could undermine the collective aspirations of Middle Belt communities.
The communiqué stated that the prevailing situation required “a fundamental change in the thinking, leadership, unity, and actions of the people of the Middle Belt.”
It added that communities must move beyond expressing grievances and embrace “organized, sustained efforts” to influence decisions affecting their security, welfare, and future.
Addressing the security crisis, the convocation questioned why Nigeria continued to grapple with insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping despite the existence of security institutions and intelligence capabilities.
It identified the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), justice institutions, and financial intelligence agencies as bodies expected to contribute to resolving the crisis.
The leaders expressed concern over what they described as government silence and inadequate state presence in rural communities affected by violence. They called for stronger community protection, improved intelligence sharing, greater accountability, and practical measures to prevent further loss of lives.
”Fear must not prevent communities from pursuing their legitimate aspirations,” the communiqué warned, urging residents to organize themselves and engage constructively with government institutions and relevant authorities.
On political participation, the convocation urged the people of the Middle Belt to register and vote during elections, contest elective positions, support candidates committed to protecting their interests, and hold elected officials accountable for their performance.
It stressed the need for purposeful leadership, noting that the region’s aspirations could only be advanced through mentorship, training, advocacy, constructive engagement, and the identification of capable representatives.
The leaders also called on political parties seeking the support of Middle Belt voters to present clear and practical development programs rather than rely on general campaign promises.
According to the communiqué, such programs should contain “measurable commitments” to security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, economic empowerment, and inclusive governance.
The leaders cautioned against committing the region’s political support to any party without first examining its plans for addressing the peculiar challenges confronting the Middle Belt and other parts of the country. It urged those who might have made premature political commitments to reconsider their positions “in the overall interest of the region.”
On religious cooperation, the gathering called on Christian denominations to set aside their differences and strengthen collaboration on issues affecting their communities. It advocated improved communication, mutual trust, and coordinated action among churches to promote peace, justice, security, and the welfare of their members and society at large.
The participants also urged Christians to translate their faith into practical service, stressing that the Church has a responsibility to contribute more deliberately to addressing the spiritual, social, and developmental challenges confronting society.
As part of the activities marking the gathering, a symbolic bonfire was held in memory of those killed in violent attacks. The ceremony provided an opportunity for mourning, prayers, and reflection, with affected families and participants renewing their commitment to peace and justice.
The communiqué was signed by:,Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, Apostle Dabs Dalyop Gwom, Hon. Rimamnde Shawulu Kwewum, Apostle Emmanuel Egoh Bako, in Dr. Zuwaqhu K. A. Bonat, Rev. Gideon Mutum, Luka Binniyat
The signatories described the convocation as an occasion to give thanks for survivors of violence while encouraging spiritual renewal and rededication to the pursuit of freedom and a better future.
During discussions, the participants raised concerns about the stated objectives of jihadist groups and the implications of movements advocating the establishment of an Islamic caliphate for communities across the Middle Belt. They warned that violence affecting rural communities could eventually spread to urban centers if the underlying security challenges were not adequately addressed.
The convocation, however, reaffirmed its commitment to “peaceful coexistence, love for neighbors, and solidarity with communities experiencing hardship.”
In its resolutions, the gathering urged ethnic nationalities, communities, and faith-based groups to organize around their legitimate aspirations and pursue them through peaceful, lawful, and constructive engagement.
It also called on the people of the Middle Belt to speak openly about their experiences of violence, stressing that “the culture of silence must end” and that the plight of victims and affected families must not be forgotten.
The leaders maintained that dialogue and negotiation should remain important tools for resolving disputes, but insisted that communities must also protect their ancestral lands, resources, and rights as citizens of Nigeria. They urged residents to reject “fear, division, and passivity” in favor of courage, solidarity, and collective responsibility.
The communiqué concludes by commending Apostle Kure for convening the gathering, describing the initiative as an important contribution to spiritual awakening, collective consciousness, and purposeful engagement with the challenges confronting the region. It ended with a call for a renewed commitment to peace, justice, accountability, the protection of human life, and sustainable development across the Middle Belt and Nigeria.