‘Benue South is under siege’ – Idoma youths call for urgent military intervention

The Ochetoha K’Idoma Youth Wing Worldwide has raised alarm over escalating violence in Benue South Senatorial District, calling for urgent federal intervention to stem what it described as a total breakdown of security across the zone.

In a press statement dated January 18, 2026, and signed by its president, Comrade Magaji Mike Alidu, the youth body said residents of Apa, Agatu, Otukpo, Otobi-Akpa and surrounding communities are “living in perpetual fear” as armed herders, bandits and kidnappers unleash daily attacks.

“The people of Benue South are living in perpetual fear as armed herders, bandits and kidnappers have taken over the entire senatorial district, unleashing daily havoc,” Alidu stated.

The group cited recent attacks in Akpa-Otobi, where four residents were reportedly killed, while a woman died from shock after sporadic gunfire.

It further alleged that armed Fulani herdsmen, reinforced by criminal elements mobilised from Kogi State and other neighbouring states, have intensified attacks, leading to the killing of a soldier near Edikwu-Okwiji and the macheting of a woman and a young man, both of whom are currently hospitalised.

“Ongoing attacks by armed Fulani herdsmen have resulted in the death of a soldier and left other civilians severely injured,” the statement said.

According to the youth wing, sustained firefights between attackers and military forces have crippled farming activities, displaced families and worsened the humanitarian situation in the area.

The group also raised concern over the destruction of farmlands in Okokolo and neighbouring villages, where cattle allegedly trampled cassava and other crops without any effective response from authorities.

“Cattle are openly destroying cassava and other crops, threatening food security, while there is no effective local response,” Alidu lamented.

The organisation accused the Benue State Government of failing to protect lives and property, describing the handling of the crisis as inadequate and politicised.

“State civil protection guards are under-equipped and under-funded, the Nigeria Police Force remains inadequately mobilised, and local government councils, though willing, lack the resources to confront the crisis,” the statement read.

The youth body called on the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, to immediately deploy a specialised and well-equipped military task force to secure Benue South.

“We call on the Honourable Minister of Defence to deploy a specialised military task force, provide urgent logistical support, and coordinate federal agencies to dismantle the networks of herders, bandits and kidnappers,” Alidu said.

The group also urged the Benue State Government to “wake up and act decisively” to end what it described as relentless violence threatening lives, livelihoods and food security in the district.