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A viral social media post by the “Idoma Sons and Daughters” group has ignited fresh outrage in Benue State over the alleged movement of armed herdsmen on commercial motorcycles (okada) across Idoma land.
The statement, shared widely on Facebook, references a recent video by Meddy Olotu calling for an immediate stop to herdsmen operating okada in Idoma communities. Just days after that appeal, a herdsman was reportedly caught in Makurdi with an AK-47 rifle cleverly concealed inside the seat of his Bajaj motorcycle.
The group described the suspects as “armed threats who operate at night in major Idoma towns like Otukpo.” According to the post, these individuals attack and kill residents before roaming freely under the cover of darkness with weapons hidden in plain sight.
The statement questioned how many more lives must be lost and issued a strong appeal to Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, and security agencies including the police, army, and Civil Defence to take decisive action.
Specific demands include:
– An immediate ban on herdsmen from operating okada in Idoma land.
– Increased night patrols and thorough vehicle searches in towns.
– Swift prosecution of offenders with no leniency for those threatening public safety.
The group emphasized that “Idoma land belongs to us” and urged residents to share the message, tag leaders, and demand justice, stressing that unity is key to protecting their homeland.
This latest outcry comes against the backdrop of persistent insecurity in Benue State, where farmer-herder clashes and attacks by suspected armed herdsmen have claimed numerous lives and displaced communities over the years. The discovery of sophisticated weapons concealed on motorcycles has heightened fears that bandits and attackers are using commercial transport to infiltrate towns undetected.
As of now, there has been no official confirmation from security agencies regarding the specific Makurdi arrest mentioned in the post. However, the growing public concern reflects the deep frustration among Idoma people over recurring violence and what many perceive as inadequate response to the threats.
The call has resonated strongly on social media, with many users tagging government officials and security chiefs, demanding urgent intervention to restore safety in the region.
