Stop taking victims’ bodies to Och’Idoma’s Palace — ICUK President Obande tells Idoma youths

President of the Idoma Community United Kingdom, ICUK, has appealed to youths and other members of the Idoma Nation to stop taking the bodies of victims of attacks to the palace of the Och’Idoma in protest over insecurity.

He made the appeal on Saturday while delivering his address at the maiden convention of the Idoma Community United Kingdom in London.

The ICUK president said the grief and frustration arising from the persistent killings in Idoma communities were understandable, but warned against directing anger at the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty, Agaba-Idu Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John.

According to him, the paramount ruler is neither the Chief Security Officer of Benue State nor in control of the security agencies and should therefore not be blamed for the failure to protect communities.

“At this point, I wish to make a heartfelt appeal to our youths and to every son and daughter of Idoma.

“Please stop using the tragic deaths of our people as a means of playing politics with the Och’Idoma.

“We have witnessed occasions where the bodies of those killed have been taken to the palace in anger and protest. While the pain, frustration and grief are understandable, I respectfully appeal that this practice should stop,” he said.

He argued that the Och’Idoma has no security budget and does not command the military, police or any other security agency.

“The Och’Idoma is not the Chief Security Officer of Benue State, nor does he have a security budget. He does not command the military, the police, or any security agency. He cannot deploy troops or security personnel to protect our communities.

“His responsibility is to unite our people, preserve our culture and provide traditional leadership,” he added.

The ICUK president urged those demanding improved security in Benue South to direct their demands to elected officials and government institutions constitutionally responsible for protecting lives and property.

According to him, the Benue State Government has both the authority and responsibility to protect residents of the state.

“If you are demanding greater security, direct your demands to those who have been elected and are constitutionally responsible for protecting lives and property.

“The Government of Benue State has both the authority and the responsibility to provide security for its citizens,” he said.

He also called on the state government to take stronger action to secure communities and restore confidence among residents amid the wave of attacks in parts of Idoma land.

“To the Government of Benue State, we respectfully but firmly call upon you to rise to your constitutional responsibilities. Do what is necessary to secure our communities, restore confidence among our people, and ensure that no family has to endure the pain of losing loved ones to preventable violence,” he said.

The ICUK president further urged the government to protect traditional rulers and preserve the dignity of traditional institutions, insisting that they should not be held responsible for matters outside their constitutional authority.

Speaking on efforts by the diaspora to address insecurity, he announced that ICUK would commence a Community Security Support Initiative aimed at strengthening surveillance and supporting lawful community security efforts.

According to him, the organisation plans to source surveillance drones for communities across the nine local government areas of Idoma land as well as communication equipment for recognised community vigilante groups.

He said the initiative would be pursued in collaboration with the Och’Idoma, Idoma Traditional Council, traditional rulers and appropriate security agencies.

He noted that while Idoma youths were willing to defend their ancestral communities, courage alone was not enough.

“Our youths are brave and willing to defend our ancestral lands, but courage alone is not enough. They cannot defend our communities with bare hands. They need support, equipment, intelligence, and the backing of every Idoma person who believes in the survival of our people,” he said.

The ICUK president said the theme of the convention, “Opiatoha Ofu — Unity is Strength,” reflected the need for Idoma people at home and in the diaspora to put aside their differences and confront the challenges facing their homeland collectively.

He urged Idoma people to move beyond social media reactions to practical interventions capable of protecting communities and preserving the future of the Idoma Nation.