The Ochetoha K’Idoma National Forum has expressed outrage over the recent violent attack on the Edikwu Ankpali community in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State by suspected herdsmen. This heinous act, which has claimed several lives and resulted in the abduction of some residents from the nearby Ijaha community, is a grave violation of the peace and security of our law-abiding people.
A statement signed by the group’s president general, Prof Yakubu Aboki Ochefu and secretary general Dr Paul Edeh reads, “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims in Edikwu Ankpali and the surrounding communities, particularly those who have lost loved ones in this senseless act of violence. We also pray for strength and comfort for the abducted residents and their families during this harrowing time.
“Ochetoha K’Idoma is deeply troubled by the escalating frequency and brutality of these attacks, which have now extended to Edikwu Ankpali near Ugbokpo, the headquarters of Apa LGA. This latest assault, occurring along Edikwu Road, follows a disturbing pattern of violence against the Idoma people, as previously highlighted in our correspondences to His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, on 4th October 2024 and 20th March 2025. Despite these urgent calls for intervention, the lack of decisive action by security agencies charged with the constitutional mandate to protect lives and properties has emboldened the perpetrators, leaving our communities increasingly vulnerable.
“We reiterate our condemnation of the incessant herder invasions of Idoma land, a crisis that has persisted since the 2010 and 2016 Agatu massacre and continues to devastate our people. Entire villages have been razed, families displaced, and livelihoods destroyed, yet the victims continue to face inexcusable neglect. The ongoing violence, compounded by the recent surge in kidnappings, has plunged our communities into paralyzing fear, with the heartland of Idoma Nation bearing the brunt of this terror.
“In the wake of these relentless attacks, the Idoma Area Traditional Council (IATC), led by the Och’Idoma, HRM Dr. John Odogbo, has also issued a press statement following an emergency meeting with Local Government Council Chairmen in Idoma land. The IATC expressed grief over the tragic loss of lives and ordered all Fulani herdsmen to vacate farmlands in the zone to enable farmers to resume agricultural activities without threat or intimidation. This directive, which aligns with Benue State Open Grazing Prohibition Law called for increased security patrols, deployment of additional personnel to vulnerable areas, and conflict resolution training to deter future violence.
“Ochetoha K’Idoma fully supports the IATC’s resolution and echoes their call for the federal and state governments to demonstrate the political will to implement these measures. We implore the Federal Government and the Benue State Government to heed the repeated calls of our people, recognize the urgency of this situation, and take immediate, decisive action to protect the lives and property of the Idoma people. The government must enforce existing laws, including the Open Grazing Prohibition Law, deploy all necessary resources to halt these attacks, and ensure that perpetrators, no matter their status, are arrested and prosecuted to restore sanity in the state. Furthermore, we call for the establishment of an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in all affected LGA to provide humanitarian aid to those who have lost their homes, as well as emergency supplies from SEMA and NEMA to support the displaced victims.
“We commend the Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for promptly delegating his Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Paul Biam, who led all the Security Chiefs to Apa for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation. This action reflects a responsive and proactive approach to leadership. However, we strongly urge His Excellency to ensure that no stone is left unturned until all perpetrators of this violence are apprehended and brought to justice. The time for decisive and enduring action is now. The Idoma people are a vital part of Nigeria and deserve to live in peace and security.
“The Ochetoha K’Idoma National Forum reaffirms its commitment to peacebuilding through dialogue, legal advocacy, and grassroots empowerment. We will continue to amplify the voices of our people and demand accountability at every level of governance. Our right to life, dignity, and security is non-negotiable. Let us transform this moment of tragedy into a turning point, a new beginning rooted in unity, justice, and enduring peace. Let the world know: The Idoma people will not be silenced. We demand protection. We demand justice. We demand peace.”
