The Ochetoha K’Idoma National Forum, the apex socio-cultural group of the Idoma people, has condemned in strong terms the brutal attacks allegedly carried out by suspected herdsmen on the Edikwu Ankpali community in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.
The forum described the incident as a “heinous act”; and a continuation of unprovoked violence against the Idoma people.
In a press statement jointly signed by the Forum’s President General, Prof. Yakubu Aboki Ochefu, and its Secretary General, Chief Dr. Paul Edeh, Esq, the group expressed deep sorrow over the killings and abductions that reportedly occurred during the assault.
According to the statement, the attack claimed several lives and led to the kidnapping of residents from the neighbouring Ijaha community.
The group lamented the persistent failure of security agencies to curtail such attacks, despite several appeals and warnings.
“This latest assault along Edikwu Road near Ugbokpo underscores a pattern of negligence and continued vulnerability of our people,”; the statement read.
Ochetoha K’Idoma recalled its previous calls to action, including letters sent to Governor Hyacinth Alia on October 4, 2024, and March 20, 2025, urging urgent intervention.
It noted that the inability of authorities to act decisively has emboldened the perpetrators.
“We urge His Excellency to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that all perpetrators are apprehended and prosecuted. The Idoma people are citizens of this country and must be protected,”; the statement read.
The forum also called for the immediate establishment of Internally Displaced Persons, IDP camps in all affected local government areas, as well as the provision of emergency relief by SEMA and NEMA for the displaced.
“The right to life, dignity, and security is non-negotiable. Let the world know: the Idoma people will not be silenced. We demand protection. We demand justice. We demand peace,”; the statement added.
