By Mike Odeh James
The Ochetoha K’Idoma Youth Wing Worldwide has issued a stern condemnation of the renewed attacks on communities in Benue State, labeling the persistent cycle of violence, destruction, and displacement as “unacceptable” and demanding immediate and decisive intervention from both the Federal and State governments.
In a statement released on Sunday, the youth organization expressed profound grief and outrage over the latest incidents, which reportedly occurred on July 11 in the Akpachi, Ugboju, and Otukpo-Nobi communities. According to the group, the attacks resulted in multiple fatalities, the widespread razing of homes and property, and the forced displacement of numerous families, plunging the affected areas into chaos and fear.
The statement, signed by the group’s President, Comrade Magaji Mike Alidu, articulated the deep-seated frustration and anguish of the Idoma people, who have been repeatedly subjected to such violence. The group lamented that the recurring assaults have left many communities in a state of perpetual terror, questioning the efficacy and adequacy of the current security response.
“We are tired of burying our people. Our patience has been stretched to its absolute limit. We will no longer fold our arms while our communities are systematically wiped out,” the statement read in part, underscoring a growing sentiment of abandonment and the urgent need for a shift from reactive measures to proactive protection.
The youth body issued a series of specific demands aimed at halting the bloodshed and restoring a semblance of normalcy. Chief among these was a call for the immediate deployment of additional security personnel to vulnerable communities across Idoma land to serve as a deterrent and protect lives and property.
Furthermore, the group raised a critical concern regarding the administration of justice, alleging a disparity in the response of security agencies to recent incidents. They pointed to what they described as a swift reaction following the killing of a Fulani Ardo, contrasting it with the perceived inaction and silence regarding the killing of Prof. David Salefu, a former Secretary to the Benue State Government.
“The law must be applied equally to every Nigerian irrespective of ethnic background or social status,” the statement asserted. “Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be fair and impartial. The selective response to these tragedies is unacceptable and breeds further distrust.”
Addressing the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the wake of the attacks, the organization appealed to the Benue State Government, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and other humanitarian organizations to urgently provide relief materials and assistance to the thousands of displaced persons currently in dire need of shelter, food, and medical care.
In a direct appeal to the highest authorities, the Ochetoha K’Idoma youths called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia to take decisive action to halt the killings, ensure the arrest and prosecution of those responsible, and implement long-term strategies to restore lasting peace to the affected communities.
The group also broadened its appeal to the international community, urging international organizations, human rights bodies, and global partners to investigate the attacks and support victims who have been affected by the prolonged violence.
While the organization reiterated its commitment to peace, unity, and the rule of law, it maintained a firm stance that lasting peace could only be achieved through justice, accountability, and an effective security architecture that protects all citizens equally.
The renewed statement underscores the escalating tension and humanitarian crisis in parts of Benue State, with community leaders and civil society organizations repeatedly raising the alarm over the persistent attacks and demanding stronger, more effective measures to secure rural communities.
