SMBLF To FG: Set Up Special Court To Try Terrorists

The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum, SMBLF has called on the federal government to set up special court to try suspected terrorists, kidnappers and bandits in the country, saying this will ensure that criminals and non-state actors responsible for the current security problems face speedy trial.

The Forum also also condemned the current administration in the country for prioritizing the 2027 election above the protection of life and property, noting that the situation has plunged the country into chaos, poverty, insecurity and fear.

SMBLF made the admonition in In a statement signed by some of its leaders,including  Oba Oladipo Olaitan Leader, Afenifere, Dr. Bitrus Pogu President, Middle Belt Forum,  Worldwide and Ambassador Godknows Igali, National Chairman, PANDEF and Senator John Azuta-Mbata, President-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

The call came amid recent upsurge of kidnapping and terrorism across the country, even as security agencies struggle to contain the problem.

Earlier in the week, suspected Boko haram terrorists attacked a military base in Borno state, killing soldiers and razing down the base.

The terrorists were also believed to be behind the abduction of score of children and students in Borno state and oyo states.

The government said it’s on top of the situation but not a few Nigerians have expressed serious concern that the terrorists have yet to be contained despite government repeated assurances.

According to the SMBLF, a swathe of territories in the country are currently under the control of the terrorists, a situation the leaders said have turned many Nigerians into Internally Displaced Persons, IDP in their country, adding that the insecurity situation has also prevented farmers from going to farm, saying this will worsen food shortages and poverty in the country.

“At the moment, large portions of Nigerian territory in the North West, Middle Belt and North East are now effectively under the control or influence of terrorists and bandits.

“Even in parts of the South West, several once-thriving communities have been deserted as frightened residents flee repeated attacks and kidnappings. Millions of Nigerians are now internally displaced persons (IDPs), living in hunger, uncertainty and trauma in camps or with relations in communities across the country,” SBMLF said.