Ochetoha K’Idoma, the apex socio cultural organisation of the Idoma Nation, has raised fresh security concerns over killings in Benue South Senatorial District, alleging the presence of armed mercenaries in parts of the area and warning of reports that more fighters are gathering along border communities ahead of possible attacks.
The group also said it gave the Nigeria Police Force specific intelligence about an impending attack on Otukpo Nobi community 48 hours before the assault, and has demanded an explanation over what it described as the failure to act on the warning. It urged security agencies to treat fresh reports of armed movements around the Kogi, Nasarawa and Taraba border corridors as an early warning requiring immediate preventive action.
Ochetoha stated this in a rejoinder dated 31 July 2026 to a press statement issued two days earlier by the Benue State Chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, over the deteriorating security situation in the senatorial district.
The rejoinder was jointly signed by Ochetoha President General, Prof. Yakubu A. Ochefu, FHSN, FNAL, and Secretary General, Chief Paul Edeh, Esq.
While mourning the loss of Idoma, Fulani and other lives in the violence, the organisation faulted key aspects of MACBAN’s account, particularly the description of the perpetrators of attacks on Otukpo Nobi, Ondo Ogobia and Efeyi as unknown or yet to be identified assailants.
