Middle Belt Youth Leaders have warned that the planned nationwide protest over hunger and economic hardship is a “death trap” and urged their members to stay away.

The leaders, representing various ethnic groups in the region, including Igala, Idoma, Tiv, Atyap, Berom, Ebira, Gbagi, Zuru, and others, claimed that the protest is being orchestrated by faceless individuals with a hidden agenda to cause chaos and destruction.

Nasiru Jagaba, the spokesman of the group, stated during a world press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday that the protest could lead to violence, destruction of property, and loss of lives, particularly in the Middle Belt region, which has experienced repeated attacks by militia groups.

They acknowledged the economic hardship and hunger faced by Nigerians but argued that the protest is not the solution.

The leaders called on President Tinubu to take concrete steps to address the economic hardship and hunger rather than relying on tokenistic measures.

They also urged the government to investigate the alleged plot by faceless individuals to cause chaos and destruction during the protest.

The planned protest, scheduled for August 1, has been gaining momentum on social media, with many Nigerians expressing frustration over the economic hardship and hunger.

Jagaba said, “We, in the Middle Belt, believe these efforts to set the country aflame are not motivated by altruism but by their selfish ambition.

“We are aware that paid thugs and criminals have been armed to cause chaos and unrest and ultimately destroying lives and property.

“Those planning the protest have humongous funds to mobilize, misinformed, and push innocent citizens to occupy the streets of Nigeria with hidden agenda to cause violence, destruction and disruption.

“Our premise for calling for this boycott is the security of our people, the middle Beltans, especially our countless rural dwellers who suffer incessant massacres from militia groups.

“Consequently, we wish to state unequivocally that all Middlebeltans should stay calm and stay away from this planned protest that will destabilize our peace.

“We assure that we will never partake in destroying this effort to recover Nigeria.

“While we acknowledge President Tinubu’s effort to clean up the damage of the previous administration, we urge him to continue to be more equitable, particularly to Middle Belt Ethnic Nationalities.

“Having said that, we exhort the President to get back with his team to craft sustainable ideas that are capable of making life liveablefor Nigerians across the length and breadth of our country.

“If the present team is unable to deliver, the President should headhunt those who can. We wish to also challenge president Tinubu to cut back on expenditures on public office holders in consonance with the reality in our country.” (Vanguard)

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