‘We warned police 48 hours before Otukpo attack’ — Idoma group

The apex socio-cultural organisation of the Idoma Nation, Ochetoha K’Idoma, has alleged that it alerted the Nigeria Police Force 48 hours before the deadly attack on Otukpo Nobi community in Benue State but that no action was taken to avert the assault.

The organisation made the allegation in a rejoinder dated July 31, 2026, in response to a recent statement by the Benue State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, on the worsening security situation in Benue South Senatorial District.

The statement was jointly signed by Ochetoha President General, Prof. Yakubu A. Ochefu, and Secretary General, Chief Paul Edeh.

According to the group, security agencies were provided with specific intelligence indicating that Otukpo Nobi community was under imminent threat.

It, however, expressed disappointment that the warning allegedly failed to trigger any preventive action before the attack occurred.

“We demand a full account from the Police authorities as to why actionable intelligence was not acted upon, and we call for accountability at the highest levels of the security command structure in Benue State,” the organisation stated.

Ochetoha said the issue had become even more urgent following what it described as fresh intelligence indicating the movement of armed men towards parts of Idoma land.

The group alleged that armed fighters had been sighted around the Taraba and Nasarawa border axis, while another group of over 100 armed men was reportedly gathering along the Kogi-Benue boundary ahead of possible attacks.

Although the claims could not be independently verified, Ochetoha urged security agencies to investigate them immediately rather than wait until another round of violence occurs.

“We believe the security agencies are privy to this information. If they are not, we are drawing their attention to it now. If these attacks do happen, the security agencies should not say we did not warn them,” the statement added.

The organisation also faulted MACBAN’s account of the recent attacks on Otukpo Nobi, Ondo Ogobia and Efeyi communities, insisting that the perpetrators were neither unknown nor unidentified.

It alleged that more than 50 heavily armed militia fighters carried out coordinated attacks across the affected communities over the past two weeks, resulting in the deaths of several residents, including women and children.

Ochetoha further called on the Federal Government, the Benue State Government and security agencies to strengthen security around vulnerable communities, investigate those behind the attacks, dismantle illegal camps and ensure that those responsible for the violence are brought to justice.

The organisation maintained that while it remained committed to peaceful coexistence, lasting peace could only be achieved through justice, accountability and equal enforcement of the law.