Idoma In Diaspora Decry Herdsmen Attacks In Otukpo

The Idoma community in the diaspora, comprising concerned citizens residing in the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Vietnam, and other parts of the world, has decried the continued spate of killings by suspected herdsmen across Idoma land.

Recall that suspected herders on Wednesday attacked Okpamaju village in Otukpo town, the headquarters of Otukpo local government area, killing several people.

The incident came barely a week after suspected herders attacked the same community, leaving many dead and several others injured.

Reacting to the ceaseless attacks on Benue South communities, the group, led by its president, Edwin Ochai, decried the silence of the relevant authorities over the menace.

Ochai, in a statement issued on Thursday, said the reluctance of the relevant authorities and leaders to address this menace decisively is unacceptable.

He called on all Benue South leaders—political, traditional, and religious—to wake up to their responsibilities and end the nagging killings ravaging the land for years.

The statement reads below:

“What began in Agatu Local Government Area has tragically spread to Apa, Otukpo, and other parts of Benue South, leaving a trail of bloodshed, destruction and despair.

“The most recent attack in Okpamaju, a hitherto peaceful community in Otukpo LGA, has claimed the lives of several innocent villagers, reduced homes to ashes, and shattered families.

“We condemn in the strongest terms the deafening silence and inaction of our leaders at all levels—local government chairmen, state legislators, federal representatives, and the senator representing Benue South.

Their reluctance to decisively address this menace is unacceptable. Issuing routine press statements to condemn these atrocities is no longer enough. Words without meaningful action are ineffective.

“It is particularly disheartening that the Benue State Government appears indifferent to the plight of Benue South. Are we no longer part of Benue State? The state government‘s indifference to our people‘s plight is a betrayal of the essence of governance: protecting lives and property.

“We call on all relevant authorities, including the local government chairmen, state house of assembly members, the federal House of Representatives, the senator for Benue South, and the state governor, to urgently convene a Security Summit. This summit must focus on finding sustainable solutions to the persistent insecurity threatening to wipe out our communities. The time for half-measures and political platitudes is over.

“We demand immediate and decisive action from the federal government and security agencies. The attackers continue to operate with impunity, unleashing unprovoked violence on our people without any meaningful challenge from those tasked with protecting lives and property. This must stop.