Pogu Explodes: Governors Are Hiding the Truth About Genocide in the North.

The President of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Bitrus Pogu, has sharply criticised northern governors for what he described as their persistent attempts to minimise the severity of ongoing violent attacks across the region.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Pogu, in remarks monitored by BushRadio, expressed concern that northern leaders have failed to take firm and coordinated action to stem the escalating wave of killings and kidnappings that has devastated several communities in recent weeks, leaving numerous residents dead or displaced.

The criticism follows yet another deadly incident in which three people were killed and about 35 others abducted during an attack at the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State on Tuesday, according to security authorities and eyewitness testimonies.

While the Federal Government—through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume—linked the renewed attacks to recent comments made by the United States, Pogu insisted that the northern governors should take full responsibility for the deteriorating security situation rather than shifting blame.

He urged the Federal Government to formally engage with the United States to help address the crisis, arguing that American intelligence capabilities could significantly aid Nigeria’s counter-terror efforts. According to him, governors may not control the military or police directly, but they possess the authority to mobilise civil defence and other local security structures to respond more swiftly to threats.

Pogu accused some officials of downplaying or outright denying alleged genocidal attacks out of fear of attracting international scrutiny, particularly from the US. He cautioned that a forced US intervention, if triggered by worsening violence, could have far-reaching consequences.

“The best step for them is to acknowledge that these atrocities are happening—targeted attacks against Christian communities and settlements—and encourage the Federal Government to work with America to resolve them,” he said. He added that the US has the technological capacity to track perpetrators, noting, “Their satellites can identify individuals, their movements, and their locations. So, the governors should stop pretending that the Americans are unaware.”

Pogu also warned northern leaders against compelling diverse communities to adopt religious or cultural practices against their will, saying such moves risk provoking deeper conflict.

The MBF President further criticised Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, for dismissing claims of ethnic genocide in his state. He faulted the governor—who is a reverend father—for allegedly prioritising political interests over the welfare of residents, many of whom have been killed or displaced by violent attacks.

“If Alia, because of some political godfathers or personal interests, can claim there is no genocide while hundreds of his people, including Christians, are being killed and churches destroyed, then I’m sorry for him,” Pogu stated, urging the governor to change his position and acknowledge the gravity of the crisis.