Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia
By Tony Folarin
The Idoma Association in the United States has voiced out amidst grief that expressed the attack on the Egwuma community in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State was uncalled for and deeply evil.
Recall that suspected armed herders on Tuesday attacked the community, which resulted in the loss of six lives, including two soldiers.
In a statement on Friday, the President of the association, Edwin Ochai, said the group is outraged by the attack and condemned the silence of the Benue State government on the killings.
He said the failure of successive governments to address the killings in the local government effectively is not only a betrayal of the citizens but also a clear indication of systemic neglect of the people’s safety and well-being.
Ochai, therefore, called on all Idoma sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora, to unite to defend the community against the attackers.
He said, “While we commend the Nigerian Army for deploying soldiers to the community and express our condolences for the loss of two brave officers, we are alarmed by the deafening silence of the Benue State government and relevant security agencies in response to these ongoing attacks.
“The lack of official statements regarding these senseless killings is deeply concerning. This is not merely a localized issue; it is a war of attrition aimed at eradicating the Idoma ethnic nation. The time has come for us to stand together and protect our land from intruders.
“The Idoma people are known for their bravery and resilience. We must not surrender our heritage and future to those who seek to obliterate us.
“Enough is enough! We urge all stakeholders within the Idoma community to mobilize and take decisive action to put an end to the killings in Agatu and other parts of the Idoma community.
