The Ochétoha K’Idoma Forum has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his recent visit to Benue State, describing it as a long-overdue step toward addressing the security crisis that has plagued Idoma communities for over two decades.
In a statement issued after the visit, the socio-cultural group expressed deep appreciation for the President’s directives to security agencies to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of violence in the state—a move it says finally acknowledges the prolonged injustice faced by the people of Agatu, Apa, Otukpo, and surrounding areas, where more than 2,000 lives have been lost.
The Forum praised Tinubu’s recognition of the Tiv and Idoma ethnic groups, urging him to go beyond symbolic gestures and ensure inclusive action involving former governors, Senate Presidents, and traditional institutions. However, it voiced disappointment over the absence of the Och’Idoma from the official speaking programme and what it described as an unexpected alteration of the event’s schedule.
Highlighting critical challenges—including mass displacement, infrastructure decay, and recurring cross-border attacks—the Forum called for deliberate efforts to redress the marginalisation of Idoma communities through equitable representation and national documentation.
Urging Idoma citizens to remain calm and engage constructively, the group reaffirmed its commitment to peace, justice, and inclusive development, calling on President Tinubu to sustain his promise of genuine healing and national unity.
