The Ochetoha K'Idoma Forum, the apex socio-cultural organization representing the Idoma people, has issued a strong condemnation of the escalating insecurity plaguing Idoma communities across Benue State.
In a communiqué released following its 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Saturday in Otukpo, the organization expressed grave concern over the recent surge in violence, including armed attacks, killings, and abductions that have devastated parts of the Idoma region.
The affected areas include Otukpo, Agatu, and Apa, with the most recent incident being a kidnapping along the Owukpa–Orokam road in Ogbadibo Local Government Area. These violent episodes have resulted in loss of lives, destruction of farmlands, displacement of residents, and widespread fear throughout the community.
"The continued insecurity threatens not only the safety of our people but also the progress and prosperity of our homeland," the communiqué stated.
Call for Urgent Intervention
Delegates from branches across Nigeria who attended the AGM strongly condemned the escalating threats posed by herdsmen attacks, kidnappings, and other violent crimes. The forum noted that these security challenges have crippled agricultural activities and disrupted daily life in the region.
The organization called for urgent intervention by the government and security agencies to protect lives and restore peace in the affected communities. It also emphasized the need for unified community action and enhanced local intelligence gathering to effectively address these security challenges.
Furthermore, the forum urged all stakeholders to collaborate with traditional institutions, including His Royal Majesty, the Och'Idoma, to foster peace and development in the Idoma nation.
The communiqué was signed by Prof. Robert Ogbanje Okwori (Chairman), Dr. Ojoh Raphael (Member), and Paul Samuel Edeh Esq. (Secretary).
This development comes amid growing concerns about insecurity across Nigeria, with Amnesty International recently reporting that over 10,000 people have been killed in the country in the past two years.
