The Idoma socio-cultural group, The Ochétoha K’Idoma Forum, has expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for visiting Benue State to ascertain the security situation in the state, and called for immediate implementation of the points raised to bring an end to the killings in the state and across the country.
In a statement issued in Friday, signed by Prof. Yakubu Aboki Ochefu, President-General and Dr. Echeofu Agada, National Publicity Secretary, the group expressed appreciation to the “President’s candid inquiry regarding the absence of arrests and his
directive to all Security Chiefs to ensure that perpetrators are apprehended and prosecuted”.
They also commended “his characterization of the crisis as a sustained campaign that has
resulted in substantial loss of life and displacement, transcending the traditional narrative of
herder-farmer conflicts”.
They however, expressed their sadness that “more than two decades since the return of democracy and the initial
documented attacks, no arrests have been publicly recorded.
“We respectfully urge Mr. President to ensure that his commitment to justice translates into concrete action”.
On the setting up of the Peace and Reconciliation Committee, “we respectfully suggest that such a committee reflect the full spectrum of stakeholders to ensure its effectiveness and credibility.
“Given that the Idoma people have not yet had the opportunity to produce a state governor, careful consideration should be given to
ensuring broad representation.
“We recommend the inclusion of former governors, their deputies,
former Senate Presidents, and respected socio-cultural organizations such as Ochétoha K’Idoma Forum, Mzough U Tiv, and Omi Ny’ Igede.
“These institutions embody the aspirations of their respective communities and possess the cultural insight and moral authority necessary formeaningful peace-building”.
“They noted the excision of the Ochio Idoma from making any speech during the visit, stressing that several Idoma communities have suffered intractable attacks by gunmen, but it appeared the debilitating situation are not being appreciated.
“We acknowledge the passionate and heartfelt address delivered by His Royal Majesty, the Tor Tiv,
whose words resonated with the experiences of many communities.
“While we deeply respect his
perspectives and the pain he articulated, we observed that the presentation focused primarily on
the Tiv experience.
“We believe that the concurrent participation of His Royal Majesty, the Och’Idoma, would have enriched the dialogue by providing additional perspectives that could
have enhanced the comprehensiveness and unity of the engagement.
“We note with concern the absence of the Och’Idoma from the speaking program and the unexpected modification of the official program that resulted in the removal of Ochétoha K’Idoma Forum.
“The President-General of the Forum and the President-General of Mzough U Tiv were both present and later informed that their names had been dropped despite having
received a formal invitation.
“While we understand that such changes may occur due to logistical considerations, we believe that broader representation would have strengthened the overall dialogue and demonstrated the commitment to comprehensive engagement across all communities”.
In stating that the several critical issues affecting Idoma communities would have been highlighted during the visit, the group notes that “the extensive insecurity and displacement affecting our people, on-going infrastructure development needs particularly in Otukpo, challenges in local governance structures, and cross-border security incidents affecting Idoma communities in neighboring states.
“The communities of Agatu, Apa and Otukpo have experienced devastating losses, with over 2,000
lives lost since these challenges began.
“These figures represent not merely statistics but a profound human tragedy involving the destruction of families, communities, and livelihoods.
“Such experiences merit recognition and documentation at the highest levels of engagement”.
In asking for consistent peace building and security providing efforts, they stated that “Ochétoha K’Idoma Forum remains committed to advocating for peace, equity, and the protection of all our people.
“We seek not preferential treatment, but rather fair and equitable engagement, and we stand ready to contribute constructively to any initiative aimed at healing past wounds and securing a peaceful future for all communities,” they stressed.
