Group warns Middle Belt against land grabbers, invaders masquerading as herdsmen

 


The National Prayers Congress of Kogi East Christian Elders/Leaders Forum, has enjoined the people of Middle Belt to protect their God-given territory/land against land grabbers and invaders masquerading as Fulani herdsmen, bandits and kidnappers, whose sole aim is to dislodge and over run the Middle Belt.

In a communique jointly signed by the National President and National Coordinator of the Forum, Joseph Eguda and Samuel Salifu, made available to newsmen in Kaduna after a two-day prayers over poverty and insecurity in Kogi East senatorial zone, the members prayed against the activities of kidnappers, bandits and land grabbers.

The two-day prayers with the theme, “The Corporate Welfare of Kogi East”, had in attendance by National, State and Local Officers of the Forum, prominent Christian leaders, as well as Christian traditional rulers within Kogi East.

It further explained that delegations from the Middle Belt, Yoruba and Igbo Nations, Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF) and other groups were also in attendance.

The meeting noted that Middle Belt should give full resistance to such tendencies and Kogi East should remember the exploits of the Igala Kingdom in earlier days.

According to the communique, “the forum encourages members to be vigilant and watch the unfolding sequence of electoral happenings in the country, while identifying ourselves fully with the corporate yearnings of the Middle Belt.”

It noted that “the Kogi East elders/ leaders stand by the will of the people with respect to the request for the creation of Okura State.”

According to the communique, “The Forum stressed the need for synthesis of community associations of any form in Kogi State to work towards the social economic growth and well-being of the people.”

Participants, however, commended the Kogi State Government for the priority attached to the security of lives and property of the people and encouraged it not to relent.

The forum also “encourages Kogi State and its unit of Christian Elders and leaders in Kogi East to maintain their God-given space within the comity of Nigerians.”