The Idoma Development Association (IDA) has strongly condemned the recent wave of violent attacks in parts of Benue State, especially the murders in Agatu Local Government Area and the kidnappings of travelers, including Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) candidates, along the Otukpo axis.
Christian Ekre signed a statement on behalf of the IDA that said the events were very disturbing. The group said 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 residents have been killed, displaced, or forced to leave their homes because of the 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 the younger generation at risk.
Alex Odoh, the National President of IDA, said that the situation is a serious threat to peace and the survival of the Idoma people.
“We are very upset that people are still dying in our communities. These attacks over and over again are not okay and must not be allowed to go on without punishment.
“The kidnapping of young students on their way to secure their future is especially heartbreaking and shows how unsafe we are now,” he said.
Odoh also made it clear that the group would not stay quiet while neighborhoods become “zones of fear and bloodshed.” He urged officials to act quickly.
The group asked the Benue State Government and security agencies to do more to free the kidnapped victims, punish the people who did it, and make areas that are easy targets for crime safer.
“The Idoma people have the right to live in peace, farm without fear, travel safely, and go to school without fear.” “Anything less than this is a failure of duty,” Odoh said.
IDA also told both the federal and state governments to do more than just condemn the violence and come up with long-term solutions to the problems that are causing insecurity in the area.
The association said again that it stands with the families and communities that have been hurt, and it promised to keep fighting for justice, safety, and the protection of lives and property across Idoma land.
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