Bitterness is destroying us; those sheltering criminals will face consequences — Och’Idoma blows hot in New Year message

The Och’Idoma and President of the Idoma Area Traditional Council, His Royal Majesty, Agaba’idu Elaigwu Odogbo John (Och’Idoma V), has issued a stern warning to the people of Idoma Kingdom, declaring that bitterness, disunity, and irresponsible conduct are weakening the land and worsening insecurity.

In his New Year broadcast to the Idoma Nation on January 1, 2026, the monarch said internal division, rumours and unchecked resentment have become serious threats to peace and must be confronted if Idoma land is to be secured and developed.

“I urge every Idoma son and daughter to lay down bitterness, to seek reconciliation where peace can be restored, and to understand that the strength of a people begins from their homes,” the Och’Idoma said, warning that communities that allow hatred, rivalry, and silence to fester are making themselves vulnerable to criminal elements.
“As we step into 2026, I also speak as a father to his children on forgiveness and reconciliation. Many divisions among us did not begin as wars. They began as misunderstandings, harsh words, rivalry, and pride. Some have lasted longer than they should. I urge every Idoma son and daughter to lay down bitterness, to seek reconciliation where peace can be restored, and to understand that the strength of a people begins from their homes. Charity begins from home. If we desire peace in our communities, we must plant peace within our families, our kindreds, our councils, and our associations,” he added.

The royal father also issued a firm caution to individuals and communities harbouring or shielding criminals, stating that such actions would no longer be tolerated. According to him, anyone found aiding criminality, directly or indirectly, would face lawful consequences.

“Let me therefore speak plainly. Peace is not a gift dropped into a community. Peace is built. Security begins with responsible citizenship. We must protect ourselves by being alert, by reporting threats promptly to relevant security agencies, by resisting rumours and incitement, and by refusing to shelter criminality in any form. If we abandon unity, we weaken our defence. If we embrace unity, we become difficult to harm. “

He stressed that security begins with responsible citizenship, adding that peace cannot thrive where criminals are protected and intelligence is withheld from relevant authorities.

On the political front, the Och’Idoma warned ahead of increasing political activities in 2026 that there would be “no sacred cows,” declaring that violence, intimidation, and lawlessness would not be tolerated under any guise.

He urged political actors and their supporters to reject violence and conduct their ambitions with restraint, civility, and respect for the law, warning that personal ambition must never be placed above communal peace.

The monarch also condemned the growing trend of demarketing Idoma people, leaders, and institutions on social media, describing it as harmful and counterproductive.

“Words can heal, and words can wound,” he said, urging Idoma sons and daughters to exercise discipline and responsibility in their online engagements, noting that constant public ridicule and misinformation damage the collective honour of the Idoma Nation.

While acknowledging the security challenges faced in parts of Idoma land in the past year, the Och’Idoma said engagements with security agencies and stakeholders had yielded some progress, but insisted that unity, vigilance, and lawful cooperation remained critical.

He called on traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, and religious leaders to embrace reconciliation, reject bitterness, and commit to peace-building at all levels, stressing that the future of Idoma Kingdom depends on collective responsibility.

The Och’Idoma urged the people to keep hope alive, work together, and place unity above personal grievances as the New Year unfolds.