A Benue-based socio-cultural organisation, the Och’etoha K’Idoma Forum Worldwide, has accused security agencies of failing to act on intelligence allegedly provided before the deadly attacks on Akpachi-Ugboju and Otukpo-Nobi communities in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement signed by its President-General, Prof. Yakubu Aboki Ochefu, and Secretary-General, Chief Dr. Paul Ede, the group said the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty Dr. Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji, had alerted security agencies to an impending attack, but no preventive action was taken.
The forum said the attacks, which reportedly claimed at least 20 lives, could have been prevented if the intelligence had been acted upon promptly. It described the alleged inaction as a “grave lapse,” arguing that those who ignored the warning should also be held accountable.
“The blood of every victim is therefore not merely on the hands of the assailants, but also on those who received warning and did nothing,” the statement said.
According to the group, more than 20 people were killed, several others sustained injuries, and many remain missing. Among those listed as victims were Onche, a driver, Ujah, Adoji, Juliet Ona and Eyum, while Efada Ohepo and Ebedigidi were identified among the injured.
The forum also criticised what it described as the selective handling of security matters, alleging that innocent residents and local vigilantes were arrested after the killing of Fulani leader Ardo Risku Mohammed in Ohimini, while individuals allegedly issuing threats against Idoma communities on social media had not been apprehended.
It further warned that armed men were reportedly gathering in forests surrounding several communities in Benue South, raising fears of fresh attacks if urgent security measures are not taken.
The group called on President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector-General of Police and Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia to strengthen security in vulnerable communities, arrest those responsible for the attacks and alleged threats, release innocent detainees linked to the Ohimini incident, and provide relief for victims and displaced residents.
