Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues

The Ochétoha K’Idoma Forum has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s federal government to include their communities in the rehabilitation.

The federal government is rehabilitating communities ravaged by Fulani herdsmen attacks in Benue state.

The apex socio-cultural body of the Idoma people commended Tinubu for addressing the security crisis head-on during his condolence visit

The Forum also hailed President Tinubu for acknowledging the long-standing injustices suffered by communities across the state.

Prof. Yakubu Aboki Ochefu, President-General, and Dr. Echeofu Agada, National Publicity Secretary of the Forum made this known in a statement made available to Legit.ng.

The Ochetoha K’Idoma stressed that the President’s laudable efforts must reflect equitable engagement and representation, especially in areas heavily affected but often underrepresented, such as Agatu, Apa, and Otukpo.

“The communities of Agatu, Apa, and Otukpo have experienced devastating losses, with over 2,000 lives lost since these challenges began,”

“These figures represent not merely statistics but a profound human tragedy involving the destruction of families, communities, and livelihoods.”

The group called for the inclusion of all major stakeholders, including former governors, Senate Presidents in the proposed peace and reconciliation committee

Others should include respected cultural organizations such as the Ochétoha K’Idoma Forum, Mzough U Tiv, and Omi Ny’Igede, to ensure a credible and effective process.

The Forum, however, expressed disappointment over the removal of the Och’Idoma and the President-General of Ochétoha K’Idoma Forum from the official speaking program during Tinubu’s visit, despite receiving formal invitations.

“Such changes, while sometimes driven by logistics, risk sending the wrong message to affected communities who seek validation and inclusion in national conversations,”

The forum said Idoma people across Nigeria and in the diaspora reaffirmed their commitment to peace, equity, and meaningful participation in initiatives aimed at healing and development.

“We seek not preferential treatment, but fair and equitable engagement. The President has initiated an important conversation, and we respectfully request that this engagement be sustained,”

President Bola Tinubu was told that the crisis rocking Benue state was not herders-farmers crisis but a total terrorism and genocidal act.

Prof. James Ayatse, the paramount ruler of the Tiv Nation globally, told the president while speaking at a town-hall meeting organised on the request of Tinubu.

President Tinubu had visited the state to commiserate with the victims of the Yelwata community in the Guma LGA last Friday, June 13.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that President Tinubu directed Nigeria’s military and intelligence leaders to identify and apprehend those responsible for the recent killings in Benue state.

Tinubu said the continued violence must be met with a clear and coordinated response from security forces.

President Tinubu questioned the lack of arrests following the deadly attack on Yelwata community, which left dozens dead and displaced thousands.

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Source: Legit.ng