MBF Urges Nigerian Government To Address Plight Of FCT’s Original Inhabitants

Abuja, Nigeria – The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has issued a press statement calling for urgent attention to the plight of the original inhabitants of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The MBF, an umbrella socio-cultural organization representing ethnic nationalities in 14 northern states, including the FCT, expressed deep concern over the systematic marginalization of the indigenous people.

“We are deeply concerned about the plight of the original inhabitants of the FCT, who have been systematically marginalized and denied their rights,” said Dr. Bitrus Pogu, President of the Middle Belt Forum.

According to the statement, the original inhabitants, comprising over 858 communities from various ethnic groups, have lost their traditional homes, lands, and cultural landmarks to the Nigerian state without adequate compensation or recognition. “Today, an estimated one million original inhabitants have lost their traditional homes, lands, and important historical and cultural landmarks to the Nigerian state without adequate compensation or recognition,” said Pastor Danladi Jeji, leader of the Original Inhabitants Development Association (OIDA) of the FCT.

The MBF noted that the indigenous people have been rendered stateless in their own land, with no hope for their future amid poverty and deprivation. “The younger generation of FCT indigenes is becoming increasingly restless, having been rendered stateless in their own land, with no hope for their future amid poverty and deprivation,” said Pastor Jeji.

The MBF demanded an end to the exploitation of FCT lands, resettlement and compensation for displaced inhabitants, statehood for the FCT, establishment of a House of Assembly, and inclusion in federal allocations. “We demand that the Nigerian government takes immediate action to address the plight of the original inhabitants of the FCT, including an end to the exploitation of FCT lands, resettlement and compensation for displaced inhabitants, statehood for the FCT, establishment of a House of Assembly, and inclusion in federal allocations,” said Dr. Pogu.

The organization called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address this long-standing injustice, citing his history of fighting for democratic governance. “We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to use his office to address this long-standing injustice, and to ensure that the rights of the original inhabitants of the FCT are respected and protected,” said Dr. Pogu.

The statement was signed by Luka Binniyat, Spokesman for the Middle Belt Forum.