Apex socio-cultural organisation of the Idoma Nation, Ochetoha K’Idoma Forum Worldwide, has accused security agencies of ignoring prior intelligence that could have prevented the deadly attacks on communities in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
In a strongly worded statement on Sunday, the group said the massacre in Akpachi-Ugboju and Otukpo’nobi, which claimed no fewer than 20 lives, was avoidable, alleging that authorities failed to act despite receiving advance warning from the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty Dr. Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji.
The statement, signed by the President General, Professor Yakubu Aboki Ochefu, and Secretary General, Paul Edeh, said the traditional ruler had alerted relevant security agencies about the planned attacks before the assailants struck.
“What makes this tragedy even more devastating is that it was preventable,” the forum stated.
“The Och’Idoma received prior intelligence about the planned attack and immediately alerted the relevant security officials. That warning was ignored. The security agencies had actionable information and failed to act on it.”
The forum argued that while the attackers bear primary responsibility for the killings, those who allegedly failed to respond to the intelligence 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,” it added.
The organisation identified some of those killed as Onche, a driver, Ujah, Adoji, Juliet Ona and Eyum, while Efada Ohepo, Ebedigidi and several others reportedly sustained injuries.
According to the group, the grief in the affected
