The Ochetoha K'Idoma National Forum, the apex socio-cultural group representing the Idoma people, has issued a strong condemnation of recent attacks allegedly carried out by suspected herdsmen on the Edikwu Ankpali community in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.

In a press statement jointly signed by the Forum's President General, Prof. Yakubu Aboki Ochefu, and Secretary General, Chief Dr. Paul Edeh, Esq, the group described the incident as a "heinous act" and a continuation of unprovoked violence against the Idoma people.

According to the statement, the attack resulted in multiple casualties and led to the abduction of residents from the neighbouring Ijaha community. The group expressed deep concern over what they described as a persistent failure of security agencies to prevent such attacks despite numerous appeals and warnings.

"This latest assault along Edikwu Road near Ugbokpo underscores a pattern of negligence and continued vulnerability of our people," the statement read.

The forum recalled its previous attempts to prompt action, including formal letters sent to Governor Hyacinth Alia on October 4, 2024, and March 20, 2025, urging immediate intervention. They noted that the perceived inaction by authorities has only emboldened perpetrators to continue their attacks.

"We urge His Excellency to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that all perpetrators are apprehended and prosecuted. The Idoma people are citizens of this country and must be protected," the statement emphasized.

The Ochetoha K'Idoma has called for immediate establishment of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in all affected local government areas and the provision of emergency relief by the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for those displaced by the violence.

The statement concluded with a powerful declaration: "The right to life, dignity, and security is non-negotiable. Let the world know: the Idoma people will not be silenced. We demand protection. We demand justice. We demand peace."

This incident adds to a growing list of security challenges in Benue State, where clashes between farming communities and herders have resulted in significant loss of life and property over the years.