Defense and Security
Benue Killings: Idoma Diaspora to Petition Trump, Seek US Congress Intervention
The Idoma Association USA (IAUSA) has resolved to petition United States President Donald Trump over reported killings, displacement and worsening insecurity in Benue South Senatorial District and other parts of Benue State.
The resolution was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the association’s 30th Annual Convention held in Virginia Beach, Virginia, under the theme, “Building Unity Through Accountability.”
The convention, which brought together delegates, traditional leaders, government representatives and members of the Idoma diaspora, expressed grave concern over what it described as persistent insecurity, incessant killings and the displacement of innocent residents in Benue South and other communities across the state.
The association called on the Federal Government, Benue State Government and security agencies to take decisive and sustained measures to protect lives and restore peace, stressing that the loss of lives must not become normalised.
According to the communiqué, the convention approved the submission of a formal petition to President Trump to draw international attention to the reported killings, displacement and humanitarian challenges confronting communities in Benue South.
The petition, the association said, would seek greater international attention as well as appropriate humanitarian and diplomatic support for affected communities.
IAUSA also resolved to intensify engagements aimed at securing an opportunity for the Och’Idoma V, His Royal Majesty Agaba’Idu John Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji, to present the security and humanitarian concerns of the Idoma people before relevant members and committees of the United States Congress.
The association further pledged to sustain international advocacy on the situation in Benue South through engagements with governments, international organisations, human rights institutions, policymakers and the media.
It said the advocacy would remain factual and responsible, with emphasis on achieving practical outcomes.
The convention also acknowledged the presence of Statesman J. P. Paige of Norfolk, Virginia, who conveyed the solidarity of the people of Norfolk with the Idoma Nation and expressed his willingness to assist in facilitating the delivery of the association’s petition to the US President.
Beyond its international advocacy efforts, the association resolved to organise a medical mission to Nigeria in December 2026.
The mission is expected to provide free medical consultations, healthcare services, medications and health education to underserved communities across Idoma land.
IAUSA said advocacy must be matched with practical interventions that provide measurable relief to people affected by the challenges confronting the region.
On leadership and elections, the convention reaffirmed the importance of integrity, accountability and transparency in public service.
It urged present and aspiring leaders to embrace selfless service while calling on the people of Benue South to evaluate political candidates based on integrity, competence, accountability, vision and proven character.
The association advised voters to reject considerations based solely on ethnicity, political affiliation or financial inducement ahead of forthcoming elections.
IAUSA also reaffirmed its commitment to the long-term development of Idoma land through initiatives focused on healthcare, education, youth empowerment, economic growth and cultural preservation.
The convention called for stronger collaboration among traditional institutions, governments, the diaspora, civil society organisations and Idoma communities, noting that the challenges facing the people are too serious to be weakened by personal, political or sectional differences.
Bassociation subsequently passed a unanimous vote of confidence in its President, Prince Dr Edwin Ochai, and the entire Executive Committee, commending them for what it described as dedication, transparency and effective stewardship.
It also resolved that the next Annual Convention of the Idoma Association USA would be held in Canada.
Concluding the communiqué, IAUSA said the true measure of the Virginia Beach convention would not be the speeches delivered, but “the actions that follow them.”