BY JULIET EKWENUGO
BENUE
The apex socio-cultural organisation of the Idoma Nation, Ochetoha K’Idoma, has alleged that armed mercenaries are behind the recent wave of killings in Benue South Senatorial District, warning that intelligence available to it indicates that more fighters are gathering along border communities ahead of possible fresh attacks.
The group also alleged that it alerted the Nigeria Police Force 48 hours before the attack on Otukpo Nobi community but claimed the warning was not acted upon. It urged security agencies to immediately investigate fresh reports of armed movements around the Kogi, Nasarawa and Taraba border corridors to forestall further bloodshed.
Ochetoha made the allegations in a rejoinder dated July 31, 2026, to a statement issued two days earlier by the Benue State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) on the deteriorating security situation in Benue South.
The rejoinder was jointly signed by the President-General of Ochetoha, Prof. Yakubu A. Ochefu, and the Secretary-General, Chief Paul Edeh.
While condoling with the families of Idoma, Fulani and other victims of the violence, the organisation faulted MACBAN’s account of the attacks on Otukpo Nobi, Ondo Ogobia and Efeyi communities, particularly its description of the perpetrators as unknown assailants.
According to Ochetoha, more than 50 heavily armed militia fighters carried out coordinated attacks across the affected communities over the past two weeks, killing several civilians, including women and children. It said the number of victims receiving treatment at the Federal University Otukpo Teaching Hospital reflected the scale of the violence.
The organisation further alleged that the attackers were mercenaries operating “on the payroll of Fulani leaders in the zone” and insisted they were not indigenous to the affected communities. It argued that the pattern of the attacks pointed to planning, financing and coordination that should form part of any comprehensive security investigation.
Ochetoha linked the violence to the aftermath of the killing of the late Benue State MACBAN chairman, Ardo Risku Muhammad, and his associate, Yakubu Isah, on June 26, 2026.
It alleged that some Fulani opinion leaders issued threats of reprisals against Idoma communities on social media three days after the killings, mentioning specific locations and timelines.
“These threats were widely circulated. What has since occurred is the fulfilment of those publicly issued threats, not spontaneous communal violence,” the organisation stated.
Ochetoha also claimed security agencies had prior intelligence before the attack on Otukpo Nobi, alleging that the Police were formally notified 48 hours before the incident and provided with details of the planned assault.
“We demand a full account from the Police authorities as to why actionable intelligence was not acted upon, and we call for accountability at the highest levels of the security command structure in Benue State,” the statement said.
The organisation further claimed to have received fresh intelligence indicating renewed movements of armed men towards Idoma communities.
It alleged that armed fighters had been sighted along the Taraba and Nasarawa border axis, while another group of more than 100 armed men had assembled around the Kogi-Benue boundary, with reported threats to attack Idoma communities in August.
Although the claims could not be independently verified, Ochetoha urged security agencies to investigate them without delay.
“We believe the security agencies are privy to this information. If they are not, we are drawing their attention to it now. If these attacks do happen, the security agencies should not say we did not warn them,” it added.
On allegations of cattle rustling, the organisation disputed MACBAN’s account, insisting that many of the cattle reported as stolen belonged to Idoma residents of Ugboju and neighbouring communities who had entrusted them to Fulani herders under traditional custodial arrangements.
It also alleged that Idoma livestock owners recently lost cattle to rustlers in Jericho and Ogoli Ipugbogbo, claiming those responsible warned residents to abandon livestock rearing and concentrate on crop farming.
“Any serious investigation will establish the true ownership of these herds and who stole them,” it said.
Ochetoha also rejected MACBAN’s description of Ondaje Security as a criminal gang, maintaining that the group consists of local youths protecting their communities following repeated attacks.
While insisting that anyone found culpable of criminal offences should be prosecuted, it argued that community defenders should not be criminalised without credible evidence.
The organisation further cited the recent directive by the Inspector-General of Police ordering the dismantling of illegal camps and settlements in affected areas within 14 days, saying the move reinforced concerns over the presence of armed elements in the area.
However, it faulted the public announcement of the proposed operation, arguing that advance notice could allow suspects to relocate or conceal weapons before security operatives moved in.
Despite its disagreement with MACBAN over the causes of the violence, Ochetoha endorsed dialogue as part of efforts to restore peace.
It supported the establishment of a Joint Peace and Security Committee involving representatives of Idoma, Igede, Agatu and Fulani communities, increased deployment of security personnel, an emergency stakeholders’ summit comprising traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, MACBAN and security agencies, as well as the investigation and prosecution of all those responsible for the violence.
The organisation, however, insisted that such efforts must be impartial, alleging that while several Idoma residents were arrested and detained following the killing of the MACBAN state chairman, no action had been taken against individuals who allegedly issued threats against Idoma communities on social media.
“Justice cannot be one-sided. Any framework that investigates only one party while shielding the other will be rejected by the Idoma people,” it stated.
Ochetoha maintained that it remained committed to peaceful coexistence with other communities but stressed that lasting peace could only be achieved through security, accountability and equal application of the law.
It called on the Federal Government, the Benue State Government and security agencies to investigate the fresh security alerts, strengthen protection around vulnerable communities and border corridors, dismantle illegal camps and ensure those responsible for the violence are brought to justice.
