By Sunday Ameh
The Idoma Association USA has resolved to draw the attention of the United States government and Congress to the worsening security crisis and killings in Benue South Senatorial District.
The association made this known in a communiqué issued at the end of its 30th Annual Convention held in Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States.
According to the communiqué, the group plans to present a position paper to United States President Donald Trump and seek an opportunity for the Och’Idoma V, His Royal Majesty Agaba’Idu John Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji, to brief members of the US Congress on the security and humanitarian situation affecting the Idoma people.
The association expressed concern over what it described as persistent insecurity, incessant killings and the displacement of innocent residents in Benue South and other parts of Benue State.
It called on the Federal Government, Benue State Government and security agencies to take decisive and sustained measures to protect lives and restore peace in the affected communities.
The association said its proposed appeal to Trump would seek greater international attention as well as appropriate humanitarian and diplomatic support for communities affected by the crisis.
It also resolved to facilitate engagements that would enable the Och’Idoma V to present the concerns of the Idoma people before relevant members and committees of the US Congress.
The group noted that such an engagement would help draw wider international attention to the security challenges confronting Benue South.
The convention also acknowledged the presence of a Norfolk, Virginia statesman, J. P. Paige, who expressed solidarity with the Idoma Nation and pledged to assist in facilitating the delivery of the association’s petition to the US President.
The security resolutions followed the royal address delivered by the Och’Idoma V at the convention, where the traditional ruler acknowledged the grave security challenges confronting the Idoma Kingdom.
The monarch assured the convention that the Idoma Area Traditional Council would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to restore peace, protect lives and secure Idoma land.
The convention further called for stronger collaboration among traditional institutions, government, diaspora organisations, civil society groups and Idoma communities to address the security challenges.
It also urged residents of Benue South to support leaders committed to accountability, competence and effective governance, while rejecting political inducement and other considerations capable of undermining responsible leadership.
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