Protesters Tell Tinubu: “Middle Belt Is Not North” as Massive Rally Hits FCT
ABUJA — Tens of thousands of Middle Belt indigenes poured into the streets of the Federal Capital Territory on Monday in a massive but peaceful demonstration, demanding that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially recognize the Middle Belt as a distinct geo-political and administrative region, separate from the North.
From the early hours, protesters converged on Ahmadu Bello Way, Eagle Square, and the Three Arms Zone, displaying bold placards and chanting:
- “Middle Belt is not North!”
- “President Tinubu, recognize Middle Belt Region!”
- “We are Middle Beltans, not Northerners!”
The crowd featured a vibrant mix of Tiv, Gbagyi, Idoma, Berom, Eggon, Jukun, Igede, Igala, Ebira, and many other ethnic nationalities, dressed in traditional attire and waving Nigerian and Middle Belt identity flags.
Key Placard Messages Included:
- PRESIDENT TINUBU, RECOGNIZE MIDDLE BELT REGION
- MIDDLE BELT IS NOT NORTH
- MIDDLE BELT DESERVES RECOGNITION
- WE ARE MIDDLE BELTANS, NOT NORTHERNERS
- NO MORE FORCED ASSIMILATION INTO THE NORTH
Middle Belt Leaders Speak
Addressing journalists at the Unity Fountain, Dr. Paul Itodo, coordinator of the Middle Belt Consciousness Movement, stated:
“For too long, the Middle Belt has been lumped together with the far North for political convenience. We are culturally, historically, and religiously different.
We have suffered marginalization because decisions meant for the core North are imposed on us.
Today we say enough is enough.”
He listed the states that, according to the movement, constitute the Middle Belt region:
Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Taraba, Adamawa, Southern Kaduna, Southern Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Dr. Itodo also emphasized the group’s demand for a Middle Belt Development Commission and equitable national representation.
A female protester, Mrs. Mercy David from Plateau State, emotionally added:
“We are tired of being called ‘Northerners’ when our people are killed and our voices silenced in the name of ‘one North.’ Middle Belt is not North!”
Peaceful Demonstration, Presidential Villa Engagement
The protest was largely peaceful, with minimal police presence. Many motorists honked in support as the demonstration passed key government buildings.
By 4:30 pm, a delegation of Middle Belt leaders was received at the Presidential Villa, where they submitted a formal demand letter requesting official regional recognition.
Today’s march is believed to be the largest public demonstration of Middle Belt identity assertion since the 2023 general election.
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