Herdsmen Killings: Declare ‘State
By Daily Topic
The Idoma community in the diaspora has condemned the persistent killings by suspected herdsmen across Idoma land, as three villages in the Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State are currently under attack.
Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen invaded Okpomaju, Odudaje, and Asa 2 on Wednesday evening, shooting sporadically as residents fled into the forest.
A resident had said, “Currently, three villages in Otukpo including mine are under attack by Fulani herders. They launched multiple attacks yesterday (Tuesday) and came back this evening.”
Reacting to the continuous attacks in a statement on Thursday, the Idoma diaspora group, led by its president, Edwin Ochai, condemned the silence of relevant authorities.
Ochai said, “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.”
He criticised leaders for inaction, stating, “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.”
He further accused the Benue State government of indifference, asking, “Are we no longer part of Benue State?
“The indifference of the state government to the plight of our people is a betrayal of the very essence of governance, which is to protect lives and property.”
The group called for immediate intervention, stressing, “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.”
They urged leaders to organise a security summit, stating, “We call on all Benue South leaders—local government chairmen, state legislators, federal representatives, and the senator—to urgently convene a Security Summit.
“This summit must focus on actionable solutions to protect our communities, including the establishment of local security outfits and the mobilisation of resources to counter these attacks.”
Ochai warned that if the state government failed to act, “we call for a state of emergency to be declared in Benue South. The lives of our people cannot continue to be treated as expendable.”
He concluded with a message to political, traditional, and religious leaders: “This is a clarion call to all leaders — political, traditional, and religious — to wake up to their responsibilities. The time for complacency is over.”
