‘Our patience must not be mistaken for weakness’ – Idoma Association USA writes Tinubu over killings in Benue South

The Idoma Association USA has warned that the continued wave of killings in Benue South should not be taken as a sign of weakness, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene before the security situation deteriorates further.

In an open letter addressed to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the association said the Idoma people had endured over a decade of violent attacks by suspected armed herdsmen, insisting that their peaceful disposition should not be mistaken for an inability to defend themselves.

“We have shown restraint in the face of sustained provocation, but our patience must not be mistaken for weakness, and our blood is not worthless,” the group declared.

The association said the latest attacks on Akpachi village in Ugboju and Otukpo-Nobi communities in Otukpo Local Government Area on July 11 and 12, which reportedly claimed at least 20 lives, were only the latest in a series of assaults that have devastated communities across Benue South.

According to the group, communities in Agatu, Apa, Otukpo, Ohimini, Okpokwu, Ado, Obi and Oju local government areas have suffered repeated attacks over the past decade, leaving hundreds dead, thousands displaced and livelihoods destroyed.

The association alleged that the recent attacks could have been prevented, claiming that the Och’Idoma had received intelligence about the planned invasion and alerted relevant security agencies ahead of time.

“What deepens our anguish is that these massacres were preventable. His Royal Majesty, the Och’Idoma, received prior intelligence of the planned attack and immediately alerted the relevant security agencies. That warning was ignored, the attackers came, and our people died,” the letter stated.

Questioning the response of security authorities, the group asked, “If actionable intelligence cannot save our people, what can?”

The association reminded President Tinubu that protecting the lives and property of citizens remains the constitutional responsibility of government.

“The Idoma people are bona fide citizens of this country, entitled to the same protection as any other Nigerian, yet for over a decade, our communities have been overrun, our farmers butchered in their fields, our women violated, our children orphaned, and our people displaced as refugees in their own land. The killers are not ghosts; they are armed men who operate with impunity, and no one is held accountable,” it said.

While acknowledging Governor Hyacinth Alia’s visit to Otukpo following the recent attacks, the association noted that the governor did not visit the affected communities where the killings occurred.

“We acknowledge the Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for visiting Otukpo following the recent attacks. However, the Governor did not visit the affected communities where these horrific killings took place. For the families who have lost loved ones, those forced from their homes, and communities still living in fear, that absence was deeply felt.”

The diaspora group maintained that expressions of sympathy were no longer enough.

“Our people need more than statements and symbolic visits. They need decisive action. The repeated attacks on innocent citizens cannot continue to be met with condolences after the fact.”

It urged President Tinubu to immediately deploy military and security personnel to vulnerable communities in Benue South, order a thorough investigation into the attacks, prosecute those responsible, investigate why intelligence supplied before the attacks was allegedly ignored, establish permanent security outposts across vulnerable border communities, and provide humanitarian assistance to victims.

Appealing directly to the President, the association warned that continued inaction could have grave consequences.

“We appeal to you as the father of the nation to act decisively before desperation drives our people to conclusions that none of us desire.”

The letter concluded with a plea for justice and security, stating: “We seek justice, we seek protection, we seek to live in peace on the land of our ancestors. These are not unreasonable demands; these are the minimum expectations as citizens.”

The open letter was jointly signed by the President of the Idoma Association USA, Prince Dr. Edwin Ochai, and the association’s Secretary, Chief Sylvester Onche Steno. Copies were also sent to the Vice President, the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, the Governor of Benue State, the Senator representing Benue South, the Och’Idoma and the President-General of Ochetoha K’Idoma.