The Humanitarian Crisis in Nigeria’s Middle Belt: A Call for Action by the Mutual Union of the Tiv in the United States
The Mutual Union of the Tiv in the United States (MUTA) has issued a stark warning about the escalating humanitarian crisis in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region. The organization, deeply concerned by the persistent violence and displacement of thousands of Tiv people in Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba states, has called for immediate and comprehensive action to address the root causes of the conflict and provide relief to the affected communities. Their call to action, issued at their 31st Annual Convention, highlights the urgent need for security, resettlement initiatives, and international attention to prevent further suffering and loss of life.
At the heart of the crisis is the ongoing violence perpetrated by armed herders against Tiv communities. These attacks have resulted in massacres, widespread displacement, and the occupation of ancestral lands. MUTA emphasizes the devastating impact on the Tiv people, who have been forced to flee their homes, abandon their livelihoods, and witness the destruction of their cultural heritage. The organization stresses the urgency of the situation, urging the Nigerian government and the international community to take immediate and decisive action to protect vulnerable populations and hold perpetrators accountable.
MUTA’s call for action focuses on several key areas. First and foremost, they demand that the Federal Government of Nigeria provide adequate security to protect Tiv communities from further attacks. This includes deploying sufficient security forces to the affected areas, strengthening law enforcement capacity, and establishing community-based surveillance systems. MUTA specifically recommends involving Tiv youth in intelligence gathering and rapid response initiatives, empowering them to play a vital role in safeguarding their communities. The organization also calls for the adoption of modern security technologies, such as drones, to enhance monitoring capabilities and improve response times to threats.
Beyond immediate security measures, MUTA emphasizes the critical need for a comprehensive resettlement plan for internally displaced persons (IDPs). The plan should encompass economic empowerment initiatives, infrastructure development, and psychosocial support to facilitate the safe and sustainable return of IDPs to their ancestral lands. MUTA recognizes that rebuilding affected communities requires not only physical reconstruction but also addressing the economic and psychological trauma experienced by displaced populations. They advocate for programs that will provide livelihood opportunities, rebuild homes and infrastructure, and offer access to healthcare and education.
The Benue State Government, where a significant portion of the violence has occurred, bears a particular responsibility to protect its citizens. MUTA urges the state government to strengthen enforcement of the Anti-Open Grazing Law, a crucial piece of legislation designed to regulate cattle grazing and prevent conflicts between farmers and herders. Full implementation of this law, along with establishing community-based security systems, is deemed essential to safeguarding the lives, livelihoods, and ancestral lands of the Tiv people.
MUTA also calls for an end to the occupation of Tiv lands by armed herders and other groups. This occupation not only poses a direct threat to the physical safety of Tiv communities but also undermines their cultural and agricultural heritage. The forced displacement from ancestral lands disrupts traditional farming practices, jeopardizes food security, and erodes cultural identity. Reclaiming these lands and ensuring their protection is vital for the long-term survival and well-being of the Tiv people.
Recognizing the need for international support, MUTA appeals to the global community to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. They call on international organizations and human rights bodies to monitor the situation, provide assistance to affected communities, and hold perpetrators of violence accountable. International pressure and support are seen as crucial in bringing an end to the conflict and promoting lasting peace in the region.
MUTA pledges to actively engage with Nigerian authorities, international organizations, and human rights bodies to advocate for policies that protect Tiv lives and property. They are committed to working with other ethnic and cultural organizations to amplify the call for peace and justice in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. MUTA’s multi-pronged approach, encompassing advocacy, community engagement, and international cooperation, underscores their determination to address the root causes of the crisis and bring about lasting peace and security for the Tiv people. Their unwavering commitment to their community and their call for immediate action serve as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. The international community must heed this call and take decisive action to prevent further suffering and loss of life.
