The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has accused Nigeria’s political leadership of prioritising the 2027 general elections over the worsening security crisis, following a wave of mass kidnappings of schoolchildren across several states.

In a statement by leaders of Afenifere, the Middle Belt Forum, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and PANDEF, the group said it was “deeply alarmed” by the growing impunity with which terrorists and bandits are carrying out large-scale abductions, particularly targeting schools.

The forum cited a series of recent attacks, including the May 15 abduction of more than 40 pupils and seven teachers from two schools in Ahoro-Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. During the attack, a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedoku, was reportedly beheaded by the attackers.

On the same day, Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents allegedly kidnapped about 42 schoolchildren during a raid on Mussa community in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

Earlier, on April 27, gunmen attacked an Islamic orphanage in Lokoja, Kogi State, abducting 23 pupils and staff members.

SMBLF said the attacks reflected a broader collapse of security across large parts of the country, claiming that significant territories in the North-West, North-East and Middle Belt are under the influence of terrorists and bandits, while communities in parts of the South-West have also been deserted due to repeated attacks and kidnappings.

The group, however, welcomed the recent release of 360 hostages from Ngoshe in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, describing it as proof that more captives could be rescued if security agencies are given the right support and operating environment.

Beyond security concerns, the forum expressed alarm over reports alleging that governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) generated about N800 billion to support President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

According to SMBLF, media reports claimed that APC governors agreed to deduct N1 billion monthly from their states’ allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee under an arrangement known as the “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

The group also questioned what it described as the increasing distribution of cash gifts, vehicles and empowerment packages by First Lady Remi Tinubu, arguing that she holds no constitutional executive office and should not be involved in activities perceived as advancing political interests ahead of the next election.

SMBLF called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and other anti-corruption agencies to immediately investigate the alleged N800 billion fund.

It also urged the Federal Government to declare a national security emergency, increase support for security agencies, establish permanent security deployments in vulnerable communities and create a special intervention fund for internally displaced persons.

The forum further advocated the creation of special courts to fast-track terrorism, kidnapping and banditry cases.

The statement was jointly signed by Afenifere leader Oba Oladipo Olaitan, Middle Belt Forum President Dr Bitrus Pogu, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide President-General Senator John Azuta-Mbata, and PANDEF National Chairman Ambassador Godknows Igali. (The Sun)

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