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“We Are Alone”: Idoma Lawyers Urge US, Israel to Deploy Troops as Gunmen Massacre 4 in Benue

Metro Desk

ABUJA — The Association of Idoma Lawyers has implored the United States and the State of Israel to deploy military forces to Benue South immediately, accusing the Nigerian government of abandoning them to a “campaign of genocide.”

The legal body slammed the Federal Government for its “obvious neglect” as terrorists systematically wipe out communities in Otukpo, Apa, and Agatu.

Quick Read

  • The Demand: The Association of Idoma Lawyers (Owa Ka’Okepo Ki’Idoma) formally requested foreign boots on the ground to secure Idoma land.
  • The Trigger: Gunmen invaded the Akpa-Otobi community in Otukpo on Tuesday, killing four residents, including former House of Assembly candidate, Mr. Igbabe Ochi.
  • The Accusation: The lawyers blasted security agencies for only reacting after attackers have destroyed lives and property.
  • The Logic: They cited the US military’s success in Northern Nigeria and Israel’s counter-terrorism expertise as the only remaining hope for their people.

Detailed Story: A Cry for Help

ABUJA — In a stinging statement released in Abuja today, the Association of Idoma Lawyers declared a total loss of confidence in local authorities to protect the Idoma people.

Chief Godwin Obla (SAN) and Dr. Joshua Musa (SAN), who leads the group, signed the statement that painted a grim picture of a region under siege.

“Terrorists Are Wiping Us Out”

The lawyers highlighted the latest atrocity in Akpa-Otobi, Otukpo Local Government Area. On Tuesday, January 13, at approximately 1:30 a.m., armed men stormed the community.

  • The Attack: The assailants slaughtered four people in their sleep.
  • Notable Victim: The attackers murdered Mr. Igbabe Ochi, a prominent politician and former House of Assembly candidate.
  • The Context: Sources linked the invasion to a reprisal attack following a failed kidnapping attempt in the community just two days prior.

Why the US and Israel?

The legal practitioners argued that the Nigerian security apparatus has failed.

“We call on the United States of America and the State of Israel to extend their military operations to Benue South to secure our land… We cannot explain the obvious neglect from the government,” the statement read.

They urged the US to replicate its stabilization efforts from the North-East and North-West in the Middle Belt, warning that ignoring the nation’s “food basket” spells disaster.

Demands for Accountability

Beyond the call for foreign help, the lawyers challenged the Nigerian military and police to “rise up” and match the energy they apply in other regions. They warned that if the “barbaric attacks” in Otukpo, Ohimini, Apa, and Agatu continue, the Idoma nation faces extinction.