BREAKING: Och’Idoma alerted security agencies before Otukpo massacre – Ochetoha K’Idoma

The apex socio-cultural organisation of the Idoma Nation, Ochetoha K’Idoma Forum Worldwide, has alleged that the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty Dr. Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji, alerted security agencies about an impending attack on communities in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State before the deadly massacre that claimed at least 20 lives.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the forum said the attacks on Akpachi-Ugboju and Otukpo’nobi could have been prevented if security agencies had acted on intelligence reportedly communicated to them by the paramount ruler.

The statement, signed by the President General of Ochetoha K’Idoma, Professor Yakubu Aboki Ochefu, and the Secretary General, Chief Dr. Paul Edeh, accused the security agencies of failing to act despite receiving advance warning.

According to the group, “the Och’Idoma received prior intelligence about the planned attack and immediately alerted the relevant security officials. That warning was ignored. The security agencies had actionable information and failed to act.”

It described the alleged failure to respond as a grave lapse, insisting that while the attackers bear responsibility for the killings, those who ignored the warning must 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 said no fewer than 20 people were killed during the attacks, while several others sustained injuries and many remain missing.

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

Ochetoha K’Idoma said the grief that followed the attacks compelled residents to carry the bodies of the victims to the palace of the Och’Idoma—an action it described as unprecedented in Idoma history.

According to the organisation, bringing corpses to the royal palace is forbidden under Idoma tradition, but the bereaved communities took the step to demonstrate the depth of their pain and frustration.

The group also criticised what it described as the selective handling of security issues in the state, alleging that innocent residents and vigilantes were arrested after the killing of Fulani leader Ardo Risku Mohammed in Ohimini, while individuals who allegedly threatened attacks against Idoma communities on social media were not apprehended.

It further claimed that armed men are currently gathering in forests around several communities in Benue South, warning that fresh attacks could occur if urgent action is not taken.

The forum called on 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 security personnel to vulnerable areas, arrest those behind the killings and online threats, release innocent persons detained over the Ohimini incident, and provide relief for victims and displaced residents.

While urging the Idoma people to remain calm and avoid reprisals, Ochetoha K’Idoma maintained that authorities had been forewarned and should ensure that no further attacks occur.