Leaders of the Middle Belt have called for a review of Nigeria’s regional structure and the creation of additional states to address perceived political and structural imbalances in the country.
They also urged communities across the region to unite against insecurity, overcome fear, protect their ancestral lands and hold political office holders accountable for their actions.
The demands were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the first Fire Convocation of Middle Belt Nations, held at Throneroom Ministries, Kafanchan, Kaduna State, from Thursday, October 15, to Saturday, October 17, 2026.
Our correspondent reports that the convocation was led by the Vision Pioneer of Throneroom Trust Ministries, Dr Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, and attended by Christian ministers from various denominations across the 15 Middle Belt states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Also in attendance were elderstatesmen, victims of violence, affected families and resource persons in peacebuilding, conflict reporting, research and advocacy.
According to the communiqué, which read in parts, the gathering was organised to promote spiritual renewal, remember victims of violence and encourage renewed commitment to peace, justice, freedom and sustainable development.
The participants expressed 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 “organised, sustained efforts” to influence decisions affecting their security, welfare and future.
On insecurity, 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, justice institutions and financial intelligence agencies as bodies expected to contribute to addressing the security crisis.
The leaders also 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, urging residents to organise themselves and engage constructively with government institutions and relevant authorities,” the communiqué warned.
On political participation, the convocation urged electorates in 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 individuals capable of representing its interests.
The leaders also called on political parties seeking the support of Middle Belt voters to present clear and practical development programmes rather than rely on general campaign promises.
According to the communiqué, such programmes should contain “measurable commitments” to security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, economic empowerment and inclusive governance.
They 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 had a responsibility to contribute more deliberately to addressing the spiritual, social and developmental challenges confronting society.
As part of activities marking the gathering, a symbolic bonfire was held in memory of people killed in violent attacks.
The ceremony provided an opportunity for mourning, prayers and reflection, with affected families and other participants renewing their commitment to peace and justice.
The communiqué, signed by Apostle Kure, Apostle Dabs Dalyop Gwom, Hon. Rimamnde Shawulu Kwewum, Apostle Emmanuel Egoh Bako, Dr Zuwaqhu K. A. Bonat and Rev. Gideon Mutum, described the convocation as an occasion to give thanks to God for the survivors of violence and encourage spiritual renewal and rededication to the pursuit of freedom and a better future.
During discussions, participants also 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 centres if the underlying security challenges were not adequately addressed.
However, the convocation reaffirmed its commitment to “peaceful coexistence, love for neighbours and solidarity with communities experiencing hardship.”
In its resolutions, the gathering urged ethnic nationalities, communities and faith-based groups to organise 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 favour of courage, solidarity and collective responsibility.
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