Idoma Diaspora Calls For Immediate Action Over Benue South Killings

Idoma Diaspora Calls for Immediate Action Over Benue South Killings

The Idomas in the Diaspora, under the umbrella of the Idoma Association USA, have strongly criticized the lack of response from political leaders and security agencies regarding the escalating violence in Otukpo and other parts of Benue South.

According to reports from DAILY POST, multiple people have been brutally murdered, and several others kidnapped in the Olena and Asa communities of Otukpo within just four days.

Despite these alarming events, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia and Deputy Governor Sam Odeh have remained largely silent, raising concerns among the Idoma community.

Leadership Must Act, Not Just Speak – Idoma Diaspora

Edwin Ochia, the president of the Idoma Association USA, expressed deep disappointment in the silence of the Benue State Government, stating that leadership is about action, not mere rhetoric. He described the ongoing insecurity as a betrayal of trust placed in elected officials.

He also criticized the Federal Government’s lack of urgency in tackling the crisis, warning that the Idoma people will not sit back while their homeland turns into a battleground.

“Enough is Enough!” – Idoma Diaspora Speaks Out

Ochia further stated:

“We, the Idoma Diaspora, strongly condemn the continued silence of political leaders and security agencies over the unrelenting bloodshed in Otukpo and other areas of Benue South.”

“It is outrageous that while innocent citizens are being slaughtered, those responsible for protecting lives and property continue to look the other way.”

Reports indicate that several people have been killed and many others kidnapped in Olena and Asa communities within just four days. Despite these tragedies, security agencies have failed to act decisively against the unknown perpetrators.

Governor Alia and Deputy Governor Odeh Must Take Responsibility

The Idoma Diaspora has expressed disappointment over the silence of Governor Hyacinth Alia, urging him to take immediate and effective action to curb the escalating crisis.

Additionally, they have called out Deputy Governor Sam Odeh, who hails from Benue South, for failing to take a firm stand against the rising violence in his home region.

Furthermore, the group criticized Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who recently downplayed the killings, citing Governor Alia’s failure to alert President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This response, they argue, suggests that human lives in Benue South are being reduced to political maneuvering rather than genuine concern for security.

Urgent Demands from the Idoma Diaspora

The Idoma Association USA has laid out specific demands to address the crisis effectively:

Governor Hyacinth Alia must break his silence and take decisive steps to restore peace and security in Benue South. If he cannot manage the crisis alone, he must publicly seek external assistance.
Deputy Governor Sam Odeh must take a proactive stance and leverage his position to advocate for the safety of his people.
Security agencies must act swiftly to investigate, arrest, and neutralize those responsible for these killings. Their inaction amounts to complicity in the violence.
The Federal Government must ensure that Benue South is not treated as expendable. Every Nigerian life matters, and the people of Benue South deserve the same protection as any other region.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must intervene decisively and urgently to put an end to the killings and prevent further bloodshed.

The Idoma Community Will Not Be Silenced

The Idoma people have vowed not to remain silent while their homeland is devastated. The diaspora community has pledged to continue speaking out until justice is served and tangible actions are taken to secure the region.

The time for action is now. The lives of the people of Benue South must no longer be treated as political pawns.