The Idoma Association USA, IAUSA, has resolved to take the worsening security crisis in Benue South to the United States government.
It revealed plans to present a position paper the President of the United States, Donald Trump and seek an opportunity for the Och’Idoma V to present the security and humanitarian situation before members of the US Congress.
The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of IAUSA’s 30th Annual Convention held in Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States.
The convention expressed grave concern over what it described as “persistent insecurity, incessant killings, and displacement of innocent citizens” in the Benue South Senatorial District and other parts of Benue State.
It called on the Federal Government, the Benue State Government and security authorities to take “decisive and sustained steps” to protect lives and restore peace, insisting that the continued loss of lives must not be allowed to become normal.
The association resolved to submit an appeal to the President of the United States, drawing attention to the killings, displacement and humanitarian challenges confronting Benue South.
According to the communiqué, the petition would seek greater international attention as well as appropriate humanitarian and diplomatic support for communities affected by the security crisis.
The diaspora body also resolved to pursue engagements that would enable His Royal Majesty, Agaba’Idu John Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji, Och’Idoma V, to present the security and humanitarian concerns of the Idoma people before relevant members and committees of the United States Congress.
The association said the proposed engagement would provide an opportunity to place the security situation in Benue South before wider international audiences.
The convention also acknowledged the presence of Statesman J. P. Paige of Norfolk, Virginia, who conveyed solidarity with the Idoma Nation and expressed his personal commitment to assist in facilitating the delivery of the association’s petition to the President of the United States.
The security resolutions followed the Royal Address delivered by the Och’Idoma V at the convention, in which the traditional ruler acknowledged the grave security challenges confronting the Idoma Kingdom.
The monarch also assured the convention of the Idoma Area Traditional Council’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to restore peace, protect lives and secure Idoma land.
The convention also called for stronger cooperation among the traditional institution, government, diaspora organisations, civil society and Idoma communities in addressing the security challenges confronting the people.
It urged the people of Benue South to support leaders committed to accountability, competence and effective governance, while rejecting political inducement and other considerations that could undermine the pursuit of responsible leadership.
Idoma diaspora takes Benue South killings to US President, Congress