The Myth and Reality of Middle Belt Geo-Politics in Nigeria: A Discourse

Abstract

The middle Belt is a relatively big complex multi-ethnic religious geographical area, where unlike the Hausa — Fulani and the Kanuris of the far North is populated largely by minority ethnic groups. The areas since before the pre-independence period have been agitating for its region characterized by separation from the Hausa Fulani and Muslim domination, it also characterized by insecurity in terms of political instability, conflicts and ethnic crisis especially in the past two decades. The paper seeks to look at the pre-independence movements for the creation of middle Belt region since 1909, the myth and reality of the middle Belt region, conflicts and crisis especially in the Benue valley and Plateau State with the view of making recommendations and possibly laying the foundation for finding solutions towards peace, stability and development in the Area.

Keywords: Middle Belt, Geo-Politics, Politics