The Idoma Youth Wing of Ochetoha K’Idoma, the apex sociocultural group of the Idoma people, has raised concerns over the rising wave of killings and kidnappings in Otukpo, Benue State, allegedly carried out by suspected herdsmen.
The escalating violence has left residents in fear, with many forced to flee their homes as attacks intensify. The community is in distress, grappling with the loss of lives and the growing threat of abductions.
Comrade Magaji Mike Alidu, President of the Ochetoha K’Idoma Youth Wing Worldwide, has called on Governor Hyacinth Alia, Deputy Governor Samuel Odeh, and security agencies to intervene immediately.
Otukpo is under siege, and another person was kidnapped last night in Asa. Our people are living in fear, and hope is fading. Immediate action is needed to rescue the kidnapped and restore peace to the community, he said in a press release on Tuesday.
A video that has gone viral shows residents running for safety, their voices filled with distress as they plead for urgent intervention.
With kidnappings and killings becoming more frequent, the people of Otukpo are looking to the government to take decisive action before the situation worsens further.