Olushola Omogbehin
Following the attack on two communities in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State on Sunday by suspected herdsmen, angry protesters have stormed the palace of the paramount ruler of the Idoma nation, the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty Agabaidu Elaigwu John Odogbo, with corpses of victims killed in the attacks.
In the attacks which took place in two separate communities, youths in the area were said to have carried the victims’ corpses to the Och’Idoma palace to register their anger and also demand urgent action from the Benue State Government, the Federal Government and security agencies to stop the persistent bloodshed in Benue South.
“How long will this continue? Will a man escape from his own ancestral land? We have lost hope in our politicians,” the protesters were heard saying.
Chanting war songs, the protesters who accused government and security agencies of failing to protect their communities, maintained that the recurring attacks must stop.
As well, the Och’Otukpo Odu of Otukpo Kingdom, Chief John Eimonye, has ordered all herders out of every part of Otukpo Kingdom without delay.
He gave this order after the same attack was carried out in his communioty – Nobi Village early morning on Sunday, July 12, 2026.
In a statement signed by the Secretary of the Otukpo District Traditional Council, Chief Udeh Adole, Eimonye said the prolonged stay of herders in the community has become a serious threat to the safety and well-being of the people of Otukpo Kingdom.
He explained that the order should not be seen as prejudice against any ethnic group but as part of the steps to safeguard his people and restore peace to his kingdom.
Expressing deep concern over the many attacks by armed herders to communities in the area, he said the continued neglect of his people had left them at the mercy of the attackers.
Calling on traditional ruler and relevant security agencies to take urgent steps to address the security situation and protect the people of the community, he vowed that Otukpo District would not be taken over by any interest under his leadership.
