The Ochetoha K’Idoma Forum, the umbrella socio-cultural organisation of the Idoma people, has accused armed Fulani mercenaries of carrying out coordinated attacks on communities in Benue South Senatorial District, alleging that the violence followed public threats issued after the death of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ardo Risku Muhammad.
In a statement issued on July 31 as a rejoinder to MACBAN’s recent press release, the forum said it agreed that the attacks and killings highlighted by the association were largely factual but rejected the claim that some of the incidents were carried out by unknown gunmen.
It alleged that more than 50 heavily armed militia had invaded several Idoma communities in recent weeks, killing residents, including women and children, in what it described as commando-style raids.
The group further claimed that the attackers were mercenaries allegedly sponsored by Fulani leaders in the area, insisting that the assaults were organised and premeditated rather than spontaneous communal clashes.
It also alleged that social media threats made after the death of the MACBAN chairman were later carried out through attacks on Idoma communities.
Ochetoha K’Idoma said it alerted the Nigeria Police Force 48 hours before the attack on Otukpo-Nobi community, providing what it described as actionable intelligence, but alleged that no preventive action was taken.
The forum also claimed to have received fresh intelligence that armed groups were gathering near the Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi and Benue borders ahead of planned attacks in August, urging security agencies to act before more lives are lost.
The forum also disputed MACBAN’s allegation of widespread cattle rustling by Idoma youths, claiming that many of the cattle in question belonged to Idoma owners who had entrusted them to Fulani herders under traditional arrangements.
It further alleged that cattle belonging to Idoma communities had recently been stolen by armed Fulani groups.
Defending the activities of the local Ondaje Security outfit, the organisation rejected MACBAN’s description of the group as a criminal gang, insisting that its members were community defenders who emerged because of what it described as the failure of conventional security agencies to protect vulnerable communities.
It also cited the Inspector-General of Police’s directive ordering the clearance of illegal camps and settlements in the affected areas as validation of long-standing security concerns in the zone.
Despite its criticism, Ochetoha K’Idoma endorsed MACBAN’s proposals for a joint peace and security committee, stronger security presence, an emergency stakeholders’ summit and thorough investigations into the violence.
However, it insisted that any probe must be impartial and include allegations against Fulani leaders and others accused of financing or directing attacks, warning that justice must not be one-sided.
The forum reaffirmed its commitment to peace and the rule of law but called on the Federal Government, the Benue State Government and security agencies to take urgent and impartial action to restore peace in Benue South.
It maintained that the Idoma people would continue to pursue lawful means to protect their communities and ancestral homeland.
