MBF deplores religious, ethnic profiling of protests

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has said that under no circumstances should the #EndSARS protests be given ethnic or religious colouration.

The socio-cultural and political organisation in the North Central geo-political zone urged Nigerians to collectively face the monsters of ethnic and religious manipulators, who are determined to foist on the nation the dogs of war.

In a statement yesterday, MBF, through its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Isuwa Dogo, condemned attempts by subterranean forces to paint the current dilemma in ethnic and religious hues.

The forum said those that were quick to tell Nigerians about balkanised countries never talked about their political and economic progress, because there were none.

“The strength of some of us is greater than the strength of one of us, and the strength of all of us is greater than the strength of some of us,” he noted.

Also condemning the ongoing looting of warehouses containing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) relief materials meant for the most vulnerable in some states, it stated: “More worrisome is the smashing of storehouses, mostly by angry crowds, which culminates in shootings by security forces.”

MBF expressed deep pain over the current happenings that led to the loss of lives and properties belonging to individuals and government.

“There is no justification whatsoever to the recurring violence and tension pervading the country. The present situation in Nigeria requires a peaceful disposition, as any act of violence perpetrated in any part of our country is a setback in our dream for a greater and peaceful country,” it added.

The forum equally urged youths to resist criminality and adhere to the rule of law in demanding their rights.

“They should refuse to be used as canon-fodders by criminally-minded people, and strive to do everything in the interest of the nation.”

“We must never lose sight of the fact that our youths are the cornerstone of our nation’s greatness. We call on political and opinion leaders to embark on measures aimed at resolving current conflicts trailing our national life.”