Beyond the Surface: Debunking 5 Common Myths Fueling the Middle Belt Crisis
JOS — For over a decade, Nigeria’s Middle Belt has remained a flashpoint of recurring violence, displacement, and economic paralysis. Yet, despite the global attention and countless security summits, the narrative surrounding the region is often shrouded in misconceptions.
As we enter 2026, experts and community leaders argue that these “myths” are not just harmless misunderstandings—they are obstacles to a lasting peace. “If you misdiagnose a disease, you will provide the wrong cure,” says Dr. Sarah Nanle, a peace and conflict researcher. “The Middle Belt is suffering from a series of misdiagnoses.”
Here, SeleMedia breaks down five of the most pervasive myths about the Middle Belt crisis.
1. Myth: It is Simply a “Farmer-Herder” Clash
The Reality: While competition for land is a factor, framing the crisis solely as a professional dispute between farmers and herders is an oversimplification. Local leaders in Benue and Plateau states describe the violence as a “land-grabbing” campaign rather than a mere communal disagreement. Investigations have shown that many attacks are pre-meditated and carried out by organized militias using sophisticated weaponry, far beyond the capabilities of traditional nomads.
2. Myth: Climate Change is the Sole Driver
The Reality: Climate change has undeniably pushed northern pastoralists southward due to desertification. However, using it as a “blanket excuse” masks the role of weak governance and the absence of law enforcement. In many cases, violence occurs in areas where resources are plentiful, suggesting that political and territorial motives—not just environmental scarcity—are at play.
3. Myth: It is Purely a Religious War
The Reality: The conflict is often painted in black and white: Christian farmers versus Muslim herders. While the violence frequently falls along religious lines and fuels “Genocide” narratives, the underlying triggers are often structural. Both Christian and Muslim communities have suffered losses. Labeling it purely “religious” ignores the complex web of ethnic identity, “indigene vs. settler” politics, and the failure of the justice system to prosecute criminals regardless of their faith.
4. Myth: The Violence is “Spontaneous” and “Unorganized”
The Reality: Official reports often use terms like “local skirmishes” or “spontaneous outbursts.” Contrarily, recent data shows a pattern of coordinated, simultaneous attacks on multiple villages. These operations often involve reconnaissance and tactical logistics, pointing to a level of organization that suggests external financing or high-level orchestration by non-state actors.
5. Myth: Government Inaction is Due to Lack of Resources
The Reality: Critics argue that the persistent nature of the crisis is less about a lack of military hardware and more about a lack of “political will.” Despite numerous “Operation Safe Havens” and security task forces, the cycle of reprisal continues because of a lack of accountability. When attackers are rarely arrested and survivors are left in IDP camps without justice, the vacuum is filled by vigilante groups, further escalating the cycle.
“The greatest tragedy is not just the loss of life, but the loss of truth. Until we call this crisis what it really is—a breakdown of law and order—we will continue to bury our dead.” — Anonymous community leader, Benue State.
The Path Forward
Addressing the Middle Belt crisis requires moving beyond these myths. Experts suggest a shift from “conflict management” to “justice-centered peacebuilding.” This includes clear land-use policies, the professionalization of local security, and most importantly, the prosecution of perpetrators to end the culture of impunity.
About The Author
Discover more from Sele Media Africa
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
