Idoma Group Demands Military Action Against Killings In Benue South

The Idoma Association USA has called for the immediate deployment of military and other security personnel to end the killings in Benue South Senatorial District.

In a petition the group wrote to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it demanded an end to the “sustained killing” of Idoma by suspected armed herdsmen.

The association characterised the ongoing attacks across Idoma communities as a “national emergency” requiring urgent presidential intervention.

The petition was signed by the association’s president, Prince Edwin Ochai, and secretary, Chief Sylvester Onche Steno. Copies were sent to key figures including the Vice-President, National Security Adviser (NSA), Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Inspector-General of Police (IGP), and the Benue State governor.

The association commended President Tinubu for his leadership in securing the rescue of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo, but pressed him to demonstrate similar resolve in tackling the persistent violence in Idoma land.

According to the group, suspected armed herdsmen attacked Akpachi village in Ugboju and the Otukpo Nobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area on 11th and 12th July 2026. These attacks allegedly resulted in at least 20 deaths, dozens injured, and the destruction of several homes.

The group stated that these recent incidents are part of a decade-long wave of violence that has claimed hundreds of lives across various local government areas in the region.

The Idoma Association USA also expressed concern that the latest attacks reportedly occurred despite advance intelligence being received by the Och’Idoma (traditional ruler) and communicated to relevant security agencies. The letter stated: “What deepens our anguish is that these massacres were preventable. His Royal Majesty, the Och’Idoma, received prior intelligence of the planned attack and immediately alerted the relevant security agencies. That warning was ignored, the attackers came, and our people died.”

Questioning the nation’s security response, the association asked: “If actionable intelligence cannot save our people, what can?”

The group argued that the Federal Government had failed in its constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and property of the Idoma people. It highlighted a decade of repeated attacks on communities, killings of farmers, assaults on women, orphaned children, and thousands displaced, with perpetrators allegedly operating with impunity.

While commending Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia for visiting the affected communities, describing it as the first such visit by a governor since the attacks began, the association stressed that “expressions of sympathy alone would not end the violence.”

Among its demands, the group called on President Tinubu to:

Immediately deploy military and security personnel to flush out armed groups in Benue South forests.

Order a comprehensive investigation into the killings, ensuring arrests and prosecutions.

Investigate why intelligence reportedly provided by the traditional institution was allegedly ignored.

Establish permanent security outposts in vulnerable communities.

Provide humanitarian assistance, medical care, and compensation for victims.

Appealing directly to the President, the association stated that the Idoma people have remained peaceful despite years of attacks, but warned that their “patience must not be mistaken for weakness, and our blood is not worthless.” They urged the Federal Government to act swiftly to restore security and prevent further bloodshed, cautioning that continued inaction could deepen the humanitarian crisis and destabilise communities across Benue South.