The Idoma Association USA (IAUSA) has resolved to formally petition United States President Donald Trump over reported killings, displacement and the worsening security situation affecting communities in Benue South Senatorial District and other parts of Benue State. The decision was reached during the association’s 30th Annual Convention held in Virginia Beach, Virginia, under the theme “Building Unity Through Accountability.” The gathering brought together members of the Idoma diaspora, traditional leaders, government representatives and other delegates.
According to a communiqué issued after the convention, members expressed grave concern over what they described as persistent insecurity, killings and displacement of innocent citizens in Benue South and other communities in the state. The association said the proposed petition would draw attention to the reported killings, displacement and humanitarian challenges facing affected communities. It is seeking greater international attention as well as appropriate humanitarian and diplomatic support for those impacted by the security crisis.
IAUSA stated that its advocacy would not be limited to the White House. The association also resolved to pursue an opportunity for the Och’Idoma V, His Royal Majesty Agaba’Idu John Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji, to present the security and humanitarian concerns of the Idoma people before relevant members and committees of the United States Congress. The international advocacy would involve continued engagement with governments, international organisations, human-rights institutions, policymakers and the media, and would remain factual, responsible and directed toward practical outcomes.
The convention acknowledged the presence of J. P. Paige of Norfolk, Virginia, who conveyed solidarity from the people of Norfolk with the Idoma Nation and expressed a personal commitment to assist in facilitating delivery of the association’s petition to the U.S. President. Beyond the planned advocacy, IAUSA announced a medical mission to Nigeria in December 2026. The mission is expected to provide free medical consultations, healthcare services, medications and health education, targeting underserved communities across Idoma land. The association emphasised that advocacy should go together with practical assistance so that the diaspora’s efforts produce measurable benefits for people at home.
On leadership and elections, IAUSA called on present and future leaders to demonstrate accountability, transparency and selfless service. It resolved to undertake voter education and civic-awareness programmes ahead of forthcoming elections and urged voters in Benue South to assess political candidates based on integrity, competence, accountability, vision and proven character, rather than ethnicity, political affiliation or financial inducement.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to the development of Idoma communities through programmes focusing on healthcare, education, youth empowerment, economic growth and cultural preservation. It also called for stronger cooperation among traditional institutions, governments, the diaspora, civil-society organisations and Idoma communities.
The association clarified that the planned petition is an advocacy action and does not mean the U.S. government or President Trump has agreed to intervene. IAUSA said it wants the concerns formally presented to U.S. authorities and relevant international stakeholders. The development comes amid continuing concerns about insecurity and displacement in parts of Benue State.
