Insecurity: IDUUK applauds Och’Otukpo, youths, knocks political leaders

The Idoma Union United Kingdom (IDUUK) has commended the Och’Otukpo, His Royal Highness, Chief Dr John Onuminya Eyimonnye, and youths of Otukpo for their efforts in tackling the security challenges confronting Otukpo and surrounding communities.

The organisation, however, expressed concern over what it described as the lack of sufficient political response to the worsening insecurity in Idoma land, urging political leaders to rise to the occasion and support legitimate community efforts aimed at protecting lives and property.

IDUUK stated this in a statement issued by its Secretary following recent security challenges in parts of Benue South.

The group praised the Och’Otukpo for what it described as his fatherly leadership and response to the security challenges affecting his domain.

According to the statement, the traditional ruler has demonstrated concern for the safety and wellbeing of his people at what the organisation described as a difficult and challenging period in the history of the area.

“IDUUK commends His Royal Highness, Chief Dr. John Onuminya Eyimonnye, Och’Otukpo, for his fatherly leadership and response to the security challenges affecting Otukpo and surrounding communities.

“IDUUK, which is an association of Idoma sons and daughters in the United Kingdom that was established during the reign of late Och’Idoma, Alias Obekpa, with his Royal blessings and approval, appreciates the Och’Otukpo for standing with his people and demonstrating concern for their safety and wellbeing during difficult and challenging time in our history,” the statement said.

The organisation also hailed youths of Otukpo for their vigilance and efforts towards protecting their communities amid the security challenges.

It said the actions of the youths demonstrated the critical role young people could play in the protection of their homeland.

“The organisation also applauds the youths of Otukpo for their vigilance, courage and commitment to protecting their communities. Their efforts demonstrate the important role youths play in safeguarding their homeland,” IDUUK said.

Turning its attention to the political leadership, the UK-based Idoma organisation expressed dissatisfaction with what it described as an inadequate response to the security challenges confronting Idoma communities.

It called on political leaders to work closely with traditional institutions and support lawful community-based security initiatives.

“IDUUK, however, expresses concern over the perceived lack of sufficient political response to the security challenges in Idoma land. They urged political leaders to rise to the occasion, work with traditional institutions and support legitimate community security efforts,” the statement added.

Despite operating from the United Kingdom, IDUUK said developments at home remained a major concern to its members, assuring that the organisation was exploring lawful ways of supporting the people.

“Though based in the United Kingdom, IDUUK remains an eagle with its eyes on home. We are watching, listening and exploring responsible ways and means within the ambit of the law to support our people.

“Our eyes are on home. Our hearts are with our people. Our commitment remains unwavering,” the statement added.