Rimamnde Shawulu Kwewum

The Middle Belt Rimamnde Shawulu Kwewum

The phrase ''Middle Belt'', evokes contradictory emotions among Nigerians, especially those from the former Northern Protectorate. There are those who see it as affront on the sanctity of Northern Unity and of course, there are those who see it as a demonstration of the struggle of freedom from oppression. However, both those for the Middle Belt and those against it, always demonstrate some profound ignorance of it. There appears to be a general lack of clarity of what it means; which groups are part of it; whether it is a geographical entity or is just an ideology and concept. Even among its proponents, there have been very heated debate on who should be part of the Middle Belt and who should not. My Possibility and objective in this book, is to provide clarity to both the proponents and opponents to enable more useful engagement. It is obvious that most of the ethnic groups of Nigeria are in the area called the Middle Belt and, these groups are by no means homogenous. The first chapter, lifted from the first edition of Northern Nigerian In Perspective (NNIP) lists the ethnic groups. Of course, some of the languages have disappeared and many more are on the path of disappearance. The second chapter quotes the different and sometimes, contradictory definition of the Middle Belt. Excerpts from the Willink Commission report are reproduced here. The Commission was established by the British colonial authorities to investigate the fear of minority ethnic groups. The Interviews that follow, especially, those of Bello Ijumu., Jonah Asadugu further explain the frustration of the ethnic Nationalities during the Colonial era. There are people in the Middle Belt areas who do not agree with the concept of the Middle Belt. Alhaji Yahaya Kwande (Goemai) and Ahmadu Jalingo (Mumuye) belong to this group. Case Studies Atyap, (Harrison Bungun) Kilba (Free Nation Magazine) Sayawa (Dr Bukata) are also reproduced.