Fresh Twist Emerges as Idoma Forum Points Fingers Over Otukpo Killings

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The Och’etoha K’Idoma Forum Worldwide, a Benue-based socio-cultural organisation, has faulted security agencies over their alleged failure to act on intelligence reportedly provided by the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji, before the deadly attacks on Akpachi-Ugboju and Otukpo-Nobi communities in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

The position of the group was contained in a statement jointly signed by its President General, Professor Yakubu Aboki Ochefu, and Secretary General, Chief Dr. Paul Ede.

According to the forum, the attacks, which claimed no fewer than 20 lives, could have been averted if security agencies had acted promptly on the intelligence made available to them.

The group described the alleged inaction as a “grave lapse,” maintaining that although the attackers bear primary responsibility, those who allegedly ignored the warning should also be held accountable.

“The blood of every victim is therefore not merely on the hands of the assailants, but also on those who received warning and did nothing,” the statement added.

The forum disclosed that at least 20 people lost their lives during the attacks, while several others sustained injuries and many remain unaccounted for.

Among those reportedly killed were Onche (a driver), Ujah, Adoji, Juliet Ona, Eyum and others, while Efada Ohepo, Ebedigidi and several others were listed among the injured.

The group also criticised what it described as the selective handling of security matters, citing the arrest of innocent residents and vigilantes following the killing of Fulani leader, Ardo Risku Mohammed, in Ohimini, while those allegedly issuing threats against Idoma communities on social media were not apprehended.

It further raised concerns that armed men are allegedly assembling in forests surrounding several communities in Benue South, warning that fresh attacks could occur if urgent preventive measures are not taken.

The Och’etoha K’Idoma Forum appealed to President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector-General of Police and Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia to immediately deploy additional security personnel to vulnerable communities, arrest those responsible for the attacks as well as individuals allegedly making threats, release innocent persons detained over the Ohimini incident, and provide relief materials to victims and displaced residents.

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