Otukpo killings: Idoma UK Community urges Benue Govt to hunt down perpetrators

The Idoma Community United Kingdom, ICUK, has called on the Benue State Government to work with security agencies to identify, apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the recent deadly attacks on communities in Otukpo and Ohimini local government areas of the state.

The call followed an emergency meeting of the diaspora group held on Sunday in response to the attacks, which claimed several lives and left many residents displaced.

In a communiqué signed by the President of ICUK, Chief Dr. Williams Obande, the community strongly condemned what it described as the brutal killings of innocent Idoma people and urged the government to ensure those behind the attacks are brought to justice.

“We strongly condemn the brutal killings of innocent Idoma people and call on the Benue State Government to work closely with security agencies to identify, apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators of these heinous crimes,” the communiqué read.

The group also urged the Benue State Government to strengthen the state’s security architecture to guarantee the protection of lives and property, particularly in vulnerable communities across Idomaland.

According to the communiqué, urgent humanitarian assistance should be provided to residents displaced by the attacks, while additional security measures should be put in place to prevent further loss of lives.

“We call for immediate humanitarian assistance to be provided to those who have been displaced by these attacks, alongside strengthened security measures to safeguard them and prevent further loss of lives,” it stated.

The UK-based Idoma community expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones during the attacks and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.

It also pledged to support victims by contributing towards the medical treatment of the injured and assisting bereaved families with the burial of their loved ones, subject to available resources.

“As a community, we are committed to playing our part by providing support towards the medical treatment of the injured and assisting bereaved families with the burial of their loved ones, as our resources permit,” the communiqué added.

The group reaffirmed its solidarity with affected communities, calling on all stakeholders to act swiftly to restore peace, security and hope across Idomaland.