The people of Idoma extraction in Otukpo Local Government Area have outrightly rejected the ₦5 million compensation offered by the Benue State Government for innocent farmers killed in the recent attacks in the area.
In a strongly worded reaction, residents expressed dissatisfaction with the amount, noting that Governor Hyacinth Alia had approved ₦15 million following the killing of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association chairman in the state, while offering only ₦5 million after more than eight Idoma people were reportedly killed.
The package, which included the ₦5 million and 200 bags of rice announced by the Deputy Governor and the SEMA boss, James Iorpuu, was rejected by the people of Zone C. Many viewed the gesture as inadequate given the scale of the loss and the circumstances surrounding the massacre.
The development underscores the deep anger and sense of marginalisation felt by affected communities in the aftermath of the violence that has claimed several lives in Otukpo and neighbouring areas. As calls for justice and better security continue, the rejection of the compensation highlights ongoing tensions between the state government and residents of the affected region.
