Idoma Nation Calls on Govt. to Take Deliberate Measures in Addressing the Rising Insecurity in the Land, Laments it Socio-Economic Devastation
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Idoma people of Benue State has called on government at all level to take deliberate measures in addressing the rising Insecurity in Idoma Land, lamenting the multiplier effects, which are socio-economically devastating.
The call which was made during the just concluded Idoma Nation Peace and Unity Symposium held from 21st to 22nd April, 2025 is contained in a communique issued after the two-day intensive strategic lectures and syndicate brainstorming at the Ochi’doma Palace’s square, Otukpo, Benue State.
The august gathering according to a press release e-sign by the Chairman, Publicity Sub-Committee of the Idoma Peace and Unity Symposium,Comrade Odatse-Peters, PhD condemned in the strongest of terms, the recurring attacks and killing of innocent people in Idoma kingdom by armed herdsmen and urged the government to ensure that the traumatized community members in IDP camps are returned to their ancestral land.
Stressing the imperative of peace and unity, the Idoma people Kingdom according to the communique agreed that the traditional conflict resolution mechanisms should be strengthened to mediate and resolve disagreements and urged all parties to a dispute to respect decisions reached when justice and fairness are deemed to have been carried out.
The Kingdom via communique further implored leaders, sons and daughters of Idoma kingdom to be committed to fostering a culture of understanding and cooperation, avoid sentiments, self-centered ambition and pull-down syndrome, all of which he appealed should be replaced with the collective interest of the Idoma Nation.This he said will bring about accelerated and sustainable socio-economic growth and development to the kingdom and Benue State in general.
Similarly, another outcome from the symposium is a charge to all sons and daughters of the land to give absolute cooperation , reverence to the traditional stool of the Idoma land, beginning from the Agabaidu, His Majesty Ochi’doma and to all the chiefs across the kingdom at various levels of authority, noting that the traditional institution represents the true identity of the Idoma Nation .
Therefore, a call was made for clearly defined roles for the chieftaincy title holders in Idoma kingdom in order for them to add value to the land.
The two days symposium according to communique encouraged investment in human capital and the establishment of small and medium scales businesses in the land with the aim to break the circle of abject poverty, especially amongst the youths and women in rural Idoma communities.
Seriously concerned about the absence of some political elites and technocrats at the symposium, advised for a strategic follow-up while preponderance of opinion was that a blatant disregard to such a gathering, especially by political elites, should attract sanctions from the people, henceforth. The communique unequivocally stated.
The communique further expressed a resolution to cascade the symposium down to the local communities for greater impact, agreeing that an Idoma cultural festival be organized yearly starting from this year. This according to the it’s proponent at the symposium will promote the awareness of positive cultural values to generations yet unborn and foster inter community bonding and integration. A date shall be communicated to the general public by the Idoma Area Traditional Council, the communique said, with a plan to set up an implementation strategy.
“To optimise the gains of the Idoma peace and unity symposium, an implementation strategy will be espoused from the recommendations with measurable forecast , dealing first with the low hanging fruits that will be identified, then segmented into short term, medium term and long term.
“Furthermore, there should be deliberate and conscious efforts by all to a shared commitment to dialogue, trust, and mutual respect as the foundation for lasting peace in the kingdom.
“The communique which was signed by the symposium chairman, Central Planning Committee(CPC) , Retired Major General Ede Odeh and presented to the press by the symposium publicity Sub-Committee Chairman, Comrade Odatse-Peters, PhD, extended the gratitude of the Idoma Area Traditional Council to all the stakeholders, participants, sponsors and organizers for their invaluable contributions to this pivotal initiative aimed at building bridges and fostering a future of peace and unity in Idoma kingdom”
Photo splash from the Idoma Nation Peace and Unity Symposium
