Herdsmen attacks: ‘Idoma land is a wounded traveller’ — Abba Moro

Senate Minority Leader and senator representing Benue South, Abba Moro, has described Idoma land as a “wounded traveller,” calling on Idoma sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora to unite in tackling the security and developmental challenges confronting the region.

Moro spoke on Saturday while delivering an address at the maiden annual convention of the Idoma Association, United Kingdom, in London.

The senator, who was represented by his Senior Legislative Aide, John Anejo Esq, said the celebration of Idoma heritage should also provide an opportunity for the people to reflect on the future of their homeland amid insecurity, displacement and economic challenges.

Drawing from the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan, Moro said the condition of Idoma land required collective intervention rather than indifference.

“Today, Idoma land is that wounded traveller,” he said.

“History is asking each of us a simple but profound question: Will we pass by, or will we stop and help?”

Moro lamented that persistent insecurity in Benue South had resulted in the loss of lives, displacement of families and abandonment of ancestral farmlands.

He said he had consistently raised the security situation in the Senate and advocated stronger federal intervention, improved security architecture and greater protection for affected communities.

According to him, the creation of additional Nigerian Army divisions by President Bola Tinubu, including one headquartered in Makurdi, would help reduce the response time to security breaches in Benue State.

The lawmaker, however, said government intervention alone would not guarantee lasting peace and prosperity, urging Idoma people in the diaspora to complement such efforts through advocacy, investment, philanthropy and knowledge transfer.

“The future we desire cannot be built by political leaders alone. It is the collective responsibility of every Idoma son and daughter, whether at home or in the diaspora,” Moro said.

He urged Idoma professionals and entrepreneurs living abroad to consider investing in agriculture, technology, education, healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality and small and medium-scale enterprises across Benue South.

According to him, the focus should shift from merely supporting individuals to building institutions and creating sustainable opportunities capable of benefiting future generations.

Moro also highlighted some interventions he said had been secured for Benue South during his tenure, including the establishment of the North Central Development Commission and the Federal College of Agriculture and Technology, Opialu-Ojapo.

He also listed interventions in education, healthcare, rural electrification, water supply, roads, youth empowerment and skills acquisition.

On the security situation, the Senate Minority Leader called on the Benue State Government to provide additional logistical support to security personnel operating in affected communities.

“When a part of Nigeria bleeds, the whole nation bleeds,” he said, calling for troops, intelligence, logistics and justice to tackle the security crisis.

Moro also appealed to the international community and human rights organisations to pay greater attention to what he described as the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Benue South.

“Displacement is becoming genocide by neglect. Hunger is becoming a weapon,” he declared.

The senator assured his constituents that he would continue to speak against the killings and push for measures to restore peace to affected communities.

Beyond security and development, Moro urged Idoma people living in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world to preserve their cultural identity and ensure that younger generations remained connected to their roots.

“I enjoin you to ensure that every Idoma son and daughter speaks the Idoma language,” he said.

He further called for greater unity among Idoma people at home and abroad, urging them to reject divisions and work collectively towards the security, development and prosperity of the Idoma homeland.