‎Idoma Diaspora Urges Tinubu to Act on Benue Killings, Says ‘Our Patience Is Not Weakness’

The Idoma Association USA has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently strengthen security in Benue South, warning that the continued wave of violent attacks in the area is pushing affected communities to the brink.

In an open letter addressed to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the association expressed deep concern over the persistent insecurity across several local government areas in Benue South, saying the Idoma people have suffered years of killings, displacement and destruction without adequate protection.

‎The group cautioned that its members’ restraint in the face of repeated attacks should not be interpreted as 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 stated.

‎The association cited the recent attacks on Akpachi village in Ugboju and the Otukpo-Nobi communities in Otukpo Local Government Area on July 11 and 12, which reportedly claimed at least 20 lives.

‎It also highlighted recurring attacks in Agatu, Apa, Otukpo, Ohimini, Okpokwu, Ado, Obi and Oju local government areas, saying the violence has led to widespread deaths, displacement of residents and disruption of economic activities.

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‎According to the association, traditional rulers had received intelligence before the latest attacks and alerted relevant security agencies, prompting calls for a comprehensive review of the security response and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incidents.

‎The group reminded the Federal Government of its constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and property of Nigerians and urged authorities to reinforce security operations in vulnerable communities.

‎While acknowledging Governor Hyacinth Alia’s visit to Otukpo after the attacks, the association said it would have preferred the governor to visit the affected communities directly to sympathise with victims and assess the extent of the devastation.

‎It stressed that expressions of sympathy must be backed by concrete actions to improve security and prevent further bloodshed.

‎The association urged President Tinubu to deploy additional security personnel to vulnerable communities in Benue South, establish permanent security outposts, order a thorough investigation into the attacks, provide humanitarian assistance to displaced residents and ensure that those responsible are identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

‎The group expressed optimism that the Federal Government would take decisive steps to restore peace and guarantee the safety of lives and property in the affected communities.

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The open letter was jointly signed by the President of the Idoma Association USA, Prince Dr. Edwin Ochai, and the association’s Secretary, Chief Sylvester Onche Steno. Copies were also forwarded to the Vice President, the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, the Benue State Governor, the Senator representing Benue South, the Och’Idoma and the President-General of Ochetoha K’Idoma.