The Ochetoha K’Idoma Forum, the foremost socio-cultural organisation of the Idoma people, has issued a scathing condemnation of what it termed a “calculated and barbaric act of terror” following the massacre of over 150 persons in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
In a joint press statement signed by its President-General, Prof. Yakubu Aboki Ochefu, and Secretary-General, Dr. Paul Edeh, the group did not mince words in laying blame on suspected Fulani herdsmen, whist calling on the Federal Government to quickly intervene before it gets out of hand. According to the Forum, scores of civilians were burnt alive in their sleep—a horror that defies humanity.
“This massacre is not only heart-wrenching. It is an atrocity that demands immediate justice, decisive action, and unwavering national resolve,” the Forum declared.
The Idoma leaders extended their heartfelt condolences to Benue State Governor Fr Hyacinth Alia, the Tiv Nation, the global body Mzough U Tiv Worldwide, and the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse. Their message was clear: the silence of the federal authorities is deafening—and dangerous.
“If the Federal Government continues to fail in its constitutional duty to protect lives and property, the people of Benue will have no choice but to exercise their natural and moral right to self-defence.”
The Forum’s statement is not only a lament—it is a warning. Intelligence reports, they revealed, show that heavily armed groups have already infiltrated Agatu via River Benue and are regrouping in Gwer West, Gwer East, Apa, and Otukpo. High-risk zones now include Okpamaju, Odudaje, Aondona, Emichi, and Otobi Akpa.
Even more troubling are claims that trailer parks in Orokam and Otukpo are being used as “transit hubs for weapons and safe havens for criminals.” The group urged security agencies to immediately dismantle these alleged cells of insurgency.
“This is not a regional crisis. This is a national emergency,” the statement concluded. “Enough blood has been spilled. Enough tears have been shed. Surely, our people deserve protection, not platitudes.”