The Ochetoha K’Idoma Forum Worldwide has accused security agencies of failing to act on advance warnings that could have prevented recent deadly attacks in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the group said gunmen attacked communities in Akpachi-Ugboju and Otukpo-Nobi over the weekend, killing at least 18 to 20 people and leaving several others injured.
The forum said the Och’Idoma, Dr. Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji, had earlier alerted security agencies about plans for the attacks, but no preventive action was taken.
“What makes this tragedy more devastating is that it was preventable,” the group said, adding that authorities had “actionable intelligence” before the killings.
While condemning the attackers, the organization argued that those who allegedly ignored the warning should also be held accountable.
The attacks have triggered protests in the area, with residents reportedly carrying victims’ bodies to the Och’Idoma’s palace in a rare show of anger.
The killings come amid rising tensions in Benue State following the earlier murder of a Miyetti Allah leader in June, which some reports link to the latest violence.
Ochetoha K’Idoma also raised fresh concerns about possible further attacks, claiming armed groups are gathering in nearby forests.
The group called on the federal and state governments to urgently deploy security forces, arrest those responsible, and provide relief for affected communities.
Authorities have yet to respond to the allegations.
