Fulani herders plotting to take over Idoma land – Obla warns

Senior Advocate of Nigeria and founder of the Godwin Obla Foundation, Chief Godwin Obla, has raised alarm over what he described as a coordinated attempt by Fulani herders and terrorists to take over Idoma land through sustained insecurity and violence.

Obla made the assertion while delivering a keynote lecture titled “The Political Choices of the Idoma People Since 1950: Context, Consequences, and the Path Forward” at the Idoma Centenary Plus Celebration held in Otukpo, Benue State.

Speaking on the security challenges confronting communities across Idomaland, Obla warned that the activities of armed herders and criminal elements pose an existential threat to the future of the Idoma people.

According to him, the growing wave of attacks on farming communities is not merely a security problem but part of a broader agenda aimed at destabilising the area and weakening traditional institutions.

He stated that Fulani herders and terrorists were “hell-bent on creating a security quagmire” in Idomaland as a precursor to physically taking over the land and determining the political future of the people.

Obla stressed that a compromised traditional institution would be incapable of providing the leadership needed to confront the challenge, warning that political interference in traditional structures could undermine efforts to defend communities against external threats.

The legal practitioner noted that traditional rulers occupy a critical position in maintaining peace, mobilising communities and preserving the identity of the Idoma nation, urging them to remain politically neutral and focused on protecting the interests of their people.

He expressed concern over the worsening security situation in parts of Benue South, particularly in communities affected by repeated attacks, displacement and destruction of farmlands.

The former public office holder said the insecurity facing areas such as Agatu, Apa and other parts of Idomaland has disrupted livelihoods, forced thousands from their homes and threatened agricultural productivity.

Obla further alleged that the activities of the attackers were being aided by internal collaborators and unscrupulous security operatives, making the situation even more dangerous.

He warned that failure to address the challenge decisively could have far-reaching consequences for the survival and political future of the Idoma people.

The senior lawyer therefore called for stronger community vigilance, greater unity among political and traditional leaders, and the strengthening of local security structures to safeguard lives and property.

His remarks formed part of broader discussions during the Idoma Centenary Plus Celebration, where stakeholders reflected on the political history of the Idoma nation and charted a course for its future development and security.

The centenary event brought together prominent sons and daughters of Idoma land, traditional rulers, political leaders, academics and professionals to commemorate 100 years of the creation of the old Idoma Division and assess the challenges confronting the ethnic nationality.