‘Our blood not worthless’ – Idoma diaspora demands urgent action over Benue killings

The Idoma Association USA has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to take immediate and decisive action to end the persistent killings in Benue South Senatorial District, describing the attacks on communities in Idoma land as a sustained campaign of violence that has lasted for more than a decade.

In a letter addressed to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the association expressed concern over what it described as the “wanton slaughter, maiming and total annihilation” of the Idoma people by suspected armed herdsmen.

The letters was jointly signed by the President of the Idoma Association USA, Prince Dr. Edwin Ochai, and the association’s Secretary, Chief Sylvester Onche Steno.

“With a high sense of responsibility and a bleeding heart, we are compelled to draw your attention, Your Excellency, to the wanton slaughter, maiming and total annihilation of our people, the good people of Idoma land in Benue South Senatorial District of Benue State by bloodthirsty herdsmen, a barbarism that has lasted over a decade unhindered,” the group stated.

The group recalled the attacks of July 11 and 12, 2026, on Akpachi village in Ugboju and Otukpo-Nobi communities in Otukpo Local Government Area, where at least 20 people were reportedly killed, dozens injured and several homes razed.

According to the association, the attacks were not isolated incidents but part of a long-running wave of violence that has affected communities across Agatu, Apa, Otukpo, Ohimini, Okpokwu, Ado, Obi and Oju local government areas.

“What deepens our anguish is that these massacres were preventable. His Royal Majesty, the Och’Idoma, received prior intelligence of the planned attack and immediately alerted the relevant security agencies. That warning was ignored, the attackers came, and our people died.”

The association questioned the effectiveness of the nation’s security architecture, asking, “If actionable intelligence cannot save our people, what can?”

It reminded the President that the Constitution places the protection of lives and property as the primary responsibility of government.

“The Idoma people are bona fide citizens of this country, entitled to the same protection as any other Nigerian, yet for over a decade, our communities have been overrun, our farmers butchered in their fields, our women violated, our children orphaned, and our people displaced as refugees in their own land. The killers are not ghosts; they are armed men who operate with impunity, and no one is held accountable.”

While acknowledging Governor Hyacinth Alia’s visit to Otukpo following the recent attacks, the association expressed disappointment that the governor did not visit the affected communities.

“We acknowledge the Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for visiting Otukpo following the recent attacks. However, the Governor did not visit the affected communities where these horrific killings took place. For the families who have lost loved ones, those forced from their homes, and communities still living in fear, that absence was deeply felt.”

The group insisted that sympathy alone was no longer enough.

“Our people need more than statements and symbolic visits. They need decisive action. The repeated attacks on innocent citizens cannot continue to be met with condolences after the fact.”

Among its demands, the association urged President Tinubu to immediately deploy military and other security personnel to Idoma land, order a comprehensive investigation into the killings, identify and prosecute those responsible, investigate why intelligence reportedly provided by the Och’Idoma was ignored, establish permanent security outposts in vulnerable communities, and provide humanitarian assistance, medical care and compensation to victims and their families.

Appealing directly to the President, the group said the Idoma people had remained peaceful despite years of attacks but warned that their restraint should not be mistaken for 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 further appealed to Tinubu to intervene before the situation deteriorates further.

“We appeal to you as the father of the nation to act decisively before desperation drives our people to conclusions that none of us desire.”

It added: “We seek justice, we seek protection, we seek to live in peace on the land of our ancestors. These are not unreasonable demands; these are the minimum expectations as citizens.”

Copies of the letter were also addressed to the Vice President, the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, the Governor of Benue State, the senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, the Och’Idoma and the President-General of Ochetoha K’Idoma.

‘Our blood not worthless’ – Idoma diaspora demands urgent action over Benue killings