BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Otukpo, Benue
The Ochetoha K’Idoma Youth Wing Worldwide has condemned the renewed attacks on communities in Benue State, calling on the Federal and Benue State governments to take urgent and decisive action to halt the killings and protect residents.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its president, Comrade Magaji Mike Alidu, the group described the recurring violence, destruction of property and displacement of residents as unacceptable.
The youth body said the latest attacks, which reportedly occurred on July 11 in Akpachi, Ugboju and Otukpo-Nobi communities, claimed several lives, destroyed homes and property, and forced many families to flee their communities.
It lamented that repeated attacks on Idoma communities had left residents living in fear, saying the continued bloodshed raised concerns over the effectiveness of security measures in the affected areas.
“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 said.
The group called for the immediate deployment of additional security personnel to vulnerable communities across Idoma land to prevent further attacks and safeguard lives and property.
It also alleged selective response by security agencies to recent incidents, citing what it described as the swift reaction to the killing of a Fulani Ardo, while expressing concern over the handling of the killing of former Benue State Government Secretary, Prof. David Salefu.
“The law must be applied equally to every Nigerian irrespective of ethnic background or social status. 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,” the statement added.
The organisation appealed to the Benue State Government, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other humanitarian organisations to provide immediate relief materials and support for displaced persons affected by the attacks.
It further urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia to ensure the arrest and prosecution of those behind the attacks and implement lasting measures to restore peace and security in the affected communities.
The group also called on the international community, human rights organisations and development partners to investigate the attacks and support victims displaced by the prolonged violence.
While reaffirming its commitment to peace, unity and the rule of law, the Ochetoha K’Idoma Youth Wing Worldwide maintained that lasting peace in Benue could only be achieved through justice, accountability and a security architecture that guarantees equal protection for all citizens.
