The Ochetoha K’Idoma Forum has accused armed mercenaries allegedly backed by Fulani leaders of orchestrating the recent wave of deadly attacks across Benue South Senatorial District, rejecting claims by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) that the violence was perpetrated by unidentified gunmen.
In a strongly worded rejoinder to MACBAN’s July 29 statement, the umbrella socio-cultural organisation of the Idoma people also accused security agencies of failing to act on advance intelligence it claimed to have supplied before one of the attacks, warning that fresh assaults on communities in Benue South could be imminent if urgent preventive measures are not taken.
The statement marks the latest exchange between both organisations over the worsening security crisis in Benue State, where repeated attacks have left scores dead, displaced thousands of residents and heightened tensions between farming and herding communities.
Ochetoha said it acknowledged MACBAN’s admission that the security situation in Benue South had deteriorated and that lives had been lost on all sides, including those of Idoma and Fulani residents. However, it disagreed with the association’s account that recent attacks on Otukpo-Nobi, Ondo-Ogobia and Efeyi communities were carried out by “unknown gunmen” or “yet-to-be-identified assailants.”
According to the group, the attacks were executed by more than 50 heavily armed militia who allegedly invaded several communities in coordinated, military-style operations over the past two weeks.
It alleged that women and children were among those killed during the raids and claimed victims receiving treatment at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, provided evidence of the scale of the violence.
Allegations of organised attacks
Beyond disputing MACBAN’s narrative, Ochetoha alleged that the violence was neither spontaneous nor communal but formed part of an organised campaign carried out by mercenaries operating on behalf of Fulani interests in the area.
The organisation claimed that shortly after the killing of MACBAN’s Benue State Chairman, Ardo Risku Muhammad, some Fulani opinion leaders allegedly issued threats on social media, specifying communities they intended to attack in retaliation.
It argued that the subsequent attacks followed the same pattern outlined in those alleged threats.
The statement, however, did not provide documentary evidence linking the alleged online threats or the attackers to the incidents it described.
Security agencies accused of ignoring intelligence
Ochetoha also questioned the response of security agencies, saying it had officially alerted the Nigeria Police Force 48 hours before the attack on Otukpo-Nobi community.
According to the group, the intelligence included details of a planned assault, but no preventive action was taken.
It called on the police authorities to explain why the information was allegedly not acted upon and demanded accountability within the state’s security architecture.
The organisation further claimed to possess fresh intelligence indicating that more than 100 armed militia were gathering around the Taraba-Nasarawa and Kogi-Benue border areas with plans to launch additional attacks on communities in Idomaland during August.
It urged security agencies to act immediately, saying they could no longer claim ignorance if further attacks occurred.
Dispute over cattle ownership
The Idoma group also challenged MACBAN’s allegations that Idoma youths had engaged in widespread cattle rustling.
It argued that many of the cattle described as stolen actually belonged to people from Ugboju and neighbouring Idoma communities who had entrusted them to Fulani herders under traditional livestock management arrangements.
The statement further alleged that cattle belonging to Idoma owners had recently been rustled from communities including Jericho and Ogoli Ipugbogbo.
According to Ochetoha, the narrative portraying Idoma youths as sophisticated cattle rustlers was implausible and diverted attention from what it described as the real drivers of the violence.
Defence of community security outfit
Ochetoha also defended the Ondaje Security outfit, which MACBAN had reportedly described as a criminal gang.
It maintained that members of the group were local volunteers who had taken up community defence because of repeated attacks and what it called the inability of conventional security agencies to adequately protect lives and property.
The organisation further noted that the Inspector-General of Police had directed the dismantling of illegal camps and settlements in affected areas within 14 days, arguing that the directive underscored longstanding security concerns raised by communities in Benue South.
Endorses peace initiatives
Despite its criticism of MACBAN’s account of the crisis, Ochetoha said it supported several recommendations contained in the association’s earlier statement.
The group endorsed calls for the establishment of a Joint Peace and Security Committee involving affected communities, Fulani representatives and other stakeholders; stronger deployment of conventional security agencies; an emergency stakeholders’ summit involving traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups and security agencies; and thorough investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the violence.
However, it insisted that any investigation must be comprehensive and impartial.
The organisation alleged that while some Idoma residents had been arrested and detained following the death of the MACBAN chairman, individuals who allegedly issued threats against Idoma communities had not faced similar action.
It therefore called for investigations to extend to anyone found to have financed, coordinated or incited attacks, regardless of ethnic or community affiliation.
Calls for urgent government intervention
Ochetoha concluded by reaffirming its commitment to peace, justice and the rule of law, while urging the Federal Government, the Benue State Government and security agencies to act decisively to prevent further bloodshed in Benue South.
The organisation said it would continue to pursue lawful means to protect Idoma communities while seeking justice for victims of the violence.
