Idoma land under siege, leaders silent as gunmen overrun several communities

Idoma land is once again gripped by fear, grief and quiet anger as killings and kidnappings continue to spread across Benue South, leaving residents questioning whether they have been abandoned to their fate.

From Apa/Agatu, to Otobi-Akpa, from highways to markets and village paths, gunmen suspected to be herdsmen-kidnappers have continued to operate with alarming ease, IDOMA VOICE reports.

The most recent attack occurred in the early hours of Tuesday in Otobi-Akpa, Otukpo Local Government Area, where four persons were shot dead during a raid on a provision shop.

Among those killed were a cleric and a politician. Two other retired soldiers have also been killed in related attacks within the area in recent weeks.

For many residents, the latest bloodshed reopened wounds that never healed from April 15, 2025, when 13 persons were killed in coordinated attacks in Otobi community, barely weeks after three others were murdered in the same axis. Nearly a year later, the violence has returned, deadlier, bolder and closer to home.

Citizen journalist Meddy Olotu, who has consistently documented attacks in the area, said the situation has moved beyond fear to exhaustion.

“We are tired of counting the dead. Last year it was 13 people in Otobi. Now it is four again in Otobi-Akpa. Before that, travellers were shot on a Benue Links bus. Market women are attacked. How many reports do we need to make before help comes?” he asked.

“Our politicians only came home during the festive period with security men and left without finding any solution. Our youths are ready to work but they don’t have any support. We have been shouting but seems our leaders love the blood of the innocent being shed, It is a shame.”

Another resident, Shedrack Ogwu, said the killing of retired soldiers  and others sent a frightening message to the community. “If retired soldiers can be killed like this, then who is safe? These are people who served this country. If they cannot sleep in their homes and wake up alive, what hope is there for farmers and traders?” he said.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the attackers often strike at night, firing sporadically and forcing residents to flee into the bush, IDOMA VOICE reports.

In the Otobi-Akpa attack, for instance, residents said the gunmen looted food items before escaping into nearby forests, reinforcing fears that criminal groups are operating freely from surrounding hideouts.

A local trader, Mrs. Eunice Ejeh, said people now close their shops early and avoid night movement entirely. “Once it is evening, everywhere goes quiet. We don’t trade like before. Hunger is now competing with fear. If you stay out, you may not return alive,” she said.

Beyond the killings, kidnappings have become routine, with several persons still in captivity from earlier abductions. Families are left negotiating ransoms quietly, afraid to speak out.

For many residents, the pain is compounded by what they describe as silence from leaders. “We only hear statements after people die,” Meddy Olotu added. “No permanent security presence, no clearing of forests, no serious action. It feels like Idoma land is on its own.”

Another community youth leader, who asked not to be named, said the repeated attacks have eroded confidence in government protection. “This is not a new crisis. It has been happening. Last year, this year — same pattern. Yet nothing changes. How long do we keep burying our people before somebody listens?” he asked.

While security operatives are often deployed after attacks, residents say patrols thin out quickly, leaving communities exposed once more. Many villages now rely on local vigilantes, a move elders say is dangerous and unsustainable.

As graves multiply and fear deepens, the mood across Benue South is one of quiet desperation. People are not demanding miracles — only safety, presence and a clear signal that their lives matter.

For now, Idoma land mourns again, watching the forests with suspicion, sleeping lightly, and wondering how many more names will be added to the list before the silence finally breaks.