The Idoma Development Association (IDA) has strongly condemned the recent wave of violent attacks in parts of Benue State, especially the killings in Agatu Local Government Area and the kidnapping of people traveling along the Otukpo axis, including candidates for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Christian Ekre signed a statement for the IDA saying that the events were very upsetting and that the ongoing loss of life and worsening security have made many communities afraid.
The group was worried about the repeated attacks in Agatu, where reports say that several people have been killed, forced to leave their homes, or had to flee their homes because of ongoing violence.
IDA also spoke out against the kidnapping of students on their way to take their UTME, calling it a “cruel and senseless act” that puts the future of young people at risk.
Alex Odoh, the National President of IDA, said that the situation is a serious threat to peace and the Idoma people’s survival.
“We are very upset that people are still dying in our communities. These attacks that keep happening are not okay and must not be allowed to go on without punishment.
He said, “It’s especially heartbreaking that young students are being kidnapped on their way to a better future. This shows how unsafe we are now.”
Odoh also said that the group would not stay quiet while neighborhoods become “zones of fear and bloodshed,” and he urged the government to act quickly.
The group asked the Benue State Government and law enforcement to do more to rescue the kidnapped people, punish the people who did it, and make areas that are easy targets for crime safer.
“The Idoma nation has the right to live in peace, farm without fear, travel safely, and go to school without fear. Odoh said, “Anything less than this is a failure of responsibility.”
IDA also asked both the federal and state governments to go beyond just condemning the violence and come up with long-term solutions to the problems that are causing insecurity in the area.
The group said again that it stands with the families and communities that have been affected and promised to keep fighting for justice, safety, and the protection of lives and property across Idoma land.
