The Idoma community in the diaspora, comprising concerned citizens residing in the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, and Vietnam, has strongly condemned the continued silence of political leaders and security agencies over the relentless bloodshed in Otukpo and other parts of Benue South.
Recall that within just four days, several people have been brutally murdered, and many others abducted in the Olena and Asa communities of Otukpo.
The group has expressed disappointment in the silence of Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia and Deputy Governor Sam Odeh, particularly as the latter hails from the affected region.
Edwin Ochia, the president of the group, in a statement on Wednesday, argued that leadership is about action, not rhetoric, and that failure to protect the people amounts to a betrayal of their mandate.
He also criticized the federal government’s lack of urgency in addressing the crisis, warning that they will not remain silent while their homeland is turned into a killing field.
His words: “The Idomas in the Diaspora once again condemn the deafening silence of political leaders and security agencies over the ongoing bloodshed in Otukpo and other parts of Benue South.
“It is outrageous that while innocent citizens are being slaughtered and entire villages sacked, those entrusted with the responsibility of protecting lives and property continue to look the other way.
“Reports indicate that within the past four days alone, several persons have been killed, and many others abducted in Olena and Asa communities, Otukpo.
“The perpetrators of these heinous crimes remain unknown, yet security agencies, who should be actively pursuing them, are conveniently turning a blind eye. This negligence is nothing short of complicity.
“We are deeply troubled by the loud silence of H.E. Governor Hyacinth Alia in addressing the security crisis ravaging Benue South.
“It is alarming that instead of taking swift action to curb these atrocities, the state government appears more interested in paying lip service to governance.
“The Deputy Governor, Sam Odeh, who, despite being a son of the land, should not fold his arms while his hometown is being overrun by criminals.
“It is equally disturbing that Senate President Godswill Akpabio recently downplayed the killings in Benue, citing the governor’s failure to cry out to the president.
“Are we to understand that the value of human lives in Benue South is dependent on political grandstanding?
“This reckless indifference from the highest levels of government is unacceptable and an insult to the victims and their grieving families.
“We demand the following immediate actions: Governor Hyacinth Alia must break his silence and take urgent, concrete steps to end the violence in Benue South and Benue State in general. Leadership is all about action. If he is overwhelmed by the responsibility of protecting his citizens, he should speak out and seek help rather than watch idly as our people are massacred.
“Deputy Governor Sam Odeh must rise to the occasion. As a son of the soil, he has a moral and political duty to fight for the security of his people. He cannot shy away from this responsibility.
“The Nigerian security agencies must wake up from their slumber. Their failure to investigate, apprehend, and neutralize those responsible for these killings is a dereliction of duty. We demand the immediate deployment of security operatives to affected areas to restore peace and ensure the safety of our people.
The Federal Government must stop treating Benue South as expendable. Every Nigerian life matters, and our people deserve the same level of attention and protection as any other region in the country. We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene decisively and put an end to this carnage.
“The Idoma people will no longer stand by while our communities are turned into killing fields. We will not be silenced, and we will continue to raise our voices until justice is served. The time for action is now!”
