IYPM condemns attacks on Idoma communities

The National President of the Idoma Youth Progressive Movement (IYPM), Chris Idoko, has strongly condemned the recent spate of violent attacks that claimed several lives in Otukpo and other parts of the Idoma communities in Benue State.

The condemnation follows multiple coordinated attacks, including the tragic invasions of Asa, Ikobi, Olubo, and Ojantele communities in Otukpo Local Government Area, where heavily armed assailants unleashed violence on innocent residents. Dozens were reportedly killed, homes destroyed, and many displaced in the early morning raids that shocked the Idoma nation.

In one of the most affected communities, Asa, residents fled into nearby bushes as gunmen fired indiscriminately, killing several people and burning down houses. A similar pattern of destruction was recorded in Ikobi, where lives were lost and properties left in ruins.

The viral video of a local vigilante group crying out for help further amplified the urgent need for intervention, drawing nationwide attention and sparking outrage.

Idoko addressed the press in Makurdi on Friday, April 5, 2025, following an emergency executive meeting of the youth body. In a statement personally signed by him, he urged the government and all stakeholders to take decisive steps to restore peace.

“These acts of violence are alien to us and completely inimical to the development of the Idoma nation,” he said.

Idoko praised the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, and his deputy, Barr. Sam Ode, for their prompt visit to the affected communities. He commended the show of concern but insisted that more needed to be done to protect lives and property.

He called on all sons and daughters of the Idoma Kingdom, both at home and abroad, to unite and support efforts aimed at strengthening local security and building lasting peace.

“Now is the time to rally together. We must put politics and differences aside to safeguard the soul of our land,” Mr. Idoko added.

He also appealed to the state government to ensure that relief materials and support reach the victims of the attacks promptly, stressing the need to cushion the immediate impact on displaced families and traumatized communities.

As tension remains high in the affected areas, the IYPM has pledged full cooperation with security agencies and local leaders to support any measure that would bring an end to the cycle of violence and restore normalcy to the Idoma nation.