Benue Monarch Ochetoha Kidoma Condemns Killing of Fulani Leader, Demands Justice

Ochetoha K’Idoma, the paramount traditional ruler of the Idoma people in Benue State, has strongly condemned the recent killing of a Fulani leader in the state and demanded that the perpetrators be brought to justice without delay.

In a statement issued on Friday, the traditional leader described the killing as barbaric, senseless, and a threat to the fragile peace being cultivated between farming and herding communities in the state.

The Ochetoha K’Idoma called on security agencies to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident, stressing that no individual or group should be allowed to take the law into their own hands or engage in acts of reprisal violence.

He appealed to all stakeholders — including farmers, herders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and youth groups — to remain calm and reject any form of retaliation, warning that further violence would only deepen the cycle of bloodshed and suffering in the state.

The traditional ruler emphasised that sustainable peace in Benue can only be achieved through dialogue, justice, and mutual respect among the various ethnic and occupational groups residing in the state.

This latest condemnation comes days after the killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ardo Risku, an incident that also drew widespread outrage and calls for justice from both government and community leaders.

Benue State has continued to experience recurring incidents of violence linked to farmer-herder clashes, banditry, and retaliatory attacks, resulting in loss of lives, displacement of communities, and destruction of livelihoods.

Governor Hyacinth Alia has repeatedly pledged to tackle the security challenges in the state through enhanced collaboration with federal security agencies, community leaders, and traditional institutions.

The state government has also supported various peace-building initiatives, including dialogue platforms between farmers and herders, aimed at addressing the root causes of the conflicts.

Security analysts have noted that the cycle of attacks and counter-attacks in Benue requires a comprehensive approach that combines robust security operations with sustained dialogue and socio-economic interventions.

The Ochetoha K’Idoma’s call for justice and restraint is seen as a significant voice of moderation from one of the state’s most respected traditional institutions, with many hoping it will help calm tensions and prevent further escalation.

As investigations into the latest killing continue, residents have been urged to provide useful information to security agencies while avoiding actions that could trigger fresh violence.