The President of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Dr. Bitrus Pogu, has described the reported United States airstrikes against terrorist elements in Sokoto State as a welcome and timely development.
Speaking on the issue, Dr. Pogu said the Middle Belt has long advocated closer collaboration between the Nigerian government and the United States to effectively combat terrorism and criminality across the country.
According to him, concerns that such cooperation could undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty are misplaced. He stressed that any assistance from the United States would be based on mutual agreement and prior negotiations with Nigeria’s leadership.
Dr. Pogu further noted that many of the terrorists operating in Nigeria are not citizens, pointing out that encounters by local vigilantes and security forces have sometimes revealed foreign nationals among those involved. He described US involvement as a significant boost to Nigeria’s efforts to restore peace after more than 15 years of violence that has claimed lives, displaced communities, and destroyed livelihoods.
He also condemned recent attacks on civilians, including an incident in Maiduguri where a mosque in a densely populated area was bombed, resulting in the loss of innocent lives. According to him, such attacks show the indiscriminate and callous nature of the terrorists, who target both Muslims and Christians.
Dr. Pogu emphasized that eliminating these criminal groups is essential for Nigeria’s peace, unity, and development. He said the Middle Belt region fully supports the action and expressed hope that it marks the beginning of a more decisive campaign against terrorism.
He concluded by stating that Nigeria would be better positioned to achieve progress and stability once these groups, who exploit religion to justify violence, are completely eradicated.
