The Idoma Association USA has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene and put an end to the recurring attacks and killings in Benue South Senatorial District, describing the violence in Idoma communities as a prolonged crisis that has persisted for over a decade.
In a letter addressed to President Tinubu in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the association condemned what it described as the relentless killing, displacement, and destruction of Idoma communities by suspected armed herders.
The appeal was jointly signed by the President of the Idoma Association USA, Prince Dr. Edwin Ochai, and the association’s Secretary, Chief Sylvester Onche Steno, who urged the Federal Government to take swift and dec“With a high sense of responsibility and a bleeding heart, we are compelled to draw your attention, Your Excellency, to the wanton slaughter, maiming and total annihilation of our people, the good people of Idoma land in Benue South Senatorial District of Benue State by bloodthirsty herdsmen, a barbarism that has lasted over a decade unhindered,” the group stated.isive measures to restore peace and protect lives in the affected communities.
“With a high sense of responsibility and a bleeding heart, we are compelled to draw your attention, Your Excellency, to the wanton slaughter, maiming and total annihilation of our people, the good people of Idoma land in Benue South Senatorial District of Benue State by bloodthirsty herdsmen, a barbarism that has lasted over a decade unhindered,” the group stated.
The association cited the deadly attacks carried out on July 11 and 12, 2026, in Akpachi village, Ugboju, and the Otukpo-Nobi communities of Otukpo Local Government Area, where no fewer than 20 people were reportedly killed, several others sustained injuries, and numerous homes were destroyed.
It maintained that the incidents were not isolated attacks but part of a sustained pattern of violence that has plagued several communities across Agatu, Apa, Otukpo, Ohimini, Okpokwu, Ado, Obi, and Oju local government areas in Benue State for years.
“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.”
The association questioned the effectiveness of the nation’s security architecture, asking, “If actionable intelligence cannot save our people, what can?”
It reminded the President that the Constitution places the protection of lives and property as the primary responsibility of government.
“The Idoma people are bona fide citizens of this country, entitled to the same protection as any other Nigerian, yet for over a decade, our communities have been overrun, our farmers butchered in their fields, our women violated, our children orphaned, and our people displaced as refugees in their own land. The killers are not ghosts; they are armed men who operate with impunity, and no one is held accountable.”
While commending Governor Hyacinth Alia for visiting Otukpo in the aftermath of the recent attacks, the association expressed disappointment that he did not extend his visit to the affected communities to assess the situation firsthand and sympathize with the victims.
“We acknowledge the Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for visiting Otukpo following the recent attacks. However, the Governor did not visit the affected communities where these horrific killings took place. For the families who have lost loved ones, those forced from their homes, and communities still living in fear, that absence was deeply felt.”
The group insisted that sympathy alone was no longer enough.
“Our people need more than statements and symbolic visits. They need decisive action. The repeated attacks on innocent citizens cannot continue to be met with condolences after the fact.”
Among its key requests, the association called on President Tinubu to immediately deploy additional military and security personnel to Idoma communities, launch a thorough investigation into the recurring killings, identify and prosecute those responsible, and probe reports that intelligence allegedly provided by the Och’Idoma was not acted upon.
The group also urged the Federal Government to establish permanent security outposts in vulnerable communities and provide humanitarian relief, medical support, and adequate compensation to victims and bereaved families.
In its appeal, the association stressed that although the Idoma people have remained peaceful despite years of repeated attacks, their patience and restraint should not be interpreted as a sign of weakness.
“We have shown restraint in the face of sustained provocation, but our patience must not be mistaken for weakness, and our blood is not worthless.”
The association further appealed to Tinubu to intervene before the situation deteriorates further.
“We appeal to you as the father of the nation to act decisively before desperation drives our people to conclusions that none of us desire.”
It added: “We seek justice, we seek protection, we seek to live in peace on the land of our ancestors. These are not unreasonable demands; these are the minimum expectations as citizens.”
Copies of the letter were also forwarded to Vice President Kashim Shettima, the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, the senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, the Och’Idoma, and the President-General of Ochetoha K’Idoma.
