Benue Killings: Ochétoha K’Idoma Forum Applauds Proposed Peace And Reconciliation Committee

…Calls for inclusivity of stakeholders

Foremost socio-cultural body of the Idoma people in Benue state, the Ochétoha K’Idoma Forum, has applauded the proposed establishment of a peace and reconciliation committee.

They, however, suggested that such a committee reflect the full spectrum of stakeholders to ensure its effectiveness and credibility, according to a statement by the forum’s President – General, Prof Yakubu Aboki Ochefu and National Publicity Secretary, Dr Echeofu Agada.

This is even as the Ochétoha K’Idoma Forum assured that it remains committed to advocating for peace, equity, and the protection of all our people.

“We seek not preferential treatment, but rather fair and equitable engagement, and we stand ready to contribute constructively to any initiative aimed at healing past wounds and securing a peaceful future for all communities.

“Given that the Idoma people have not yet had the opportunity to produce a state governor, careful consideration should be given to
ensuring broad representation.

“We recommend the inclusion of former governors, their deputies,
former Senate Presidents, and respected socio-cultural organizations such as Ochétoha K’Idoma Forum, Mzough U Tiv, and Omi Ny’ Igede.

“These institutions embody the aspirations of their respective communities and possess the cultural insight and moral authority necessary for meaningful peace-building.”

They appreciated the President’s candid inquiry regarding the absence of arrests and his
directive to all Security Chiefs to ensure that perpetrators of the killings in Benue state are apprehended and prosecuted.

“We particularly commend his characterization of the crisis as a sustained campaign that has
resulted in substantial loss of life and displacement, transcending the traditional narrative of
herder-farmer conflicts.”

Further, they maintained that the communities of Agatu, Apa and Otukpo have experienced devastating losses, with over 2,000 lives lost since these challenges began, adding that these figures represent not merely statistics but a profound human tragedy involving the destruction of families, communities, and livelihoods.

According to them, “Such experiences merit recognition and documentation at the highest levels of engagement.”