HERDSMEN ATTACKS: ABBA MORO URGES IDOMA PEOPLE TO UNITE AGAINST INSECURITY
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By: Muftau Fatimo
Senate Minority Leader and Senator representing Benue South, Abba Moro, has described Idoma land as a “wounded traveller,” urging people of the Idoma Nation at home and in the diaspora to unite in tackling the security and developmental challenges facing the region.
Moro made the call on Saturday while speaking at the maiden annual convention of the Idoma Association, United Kingdom, held in London.
The senator said the celebration of Idoma heritage should also provide an opportunity for the people to reflect on the future of their homeland, particularly against the backdrop of insecurity, displacement and economic hardship.
“Today, Idoma land is that wounded traveller,” Moro said, drawing an analogy from the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan.
He asked the Idoma people to consider their responsibility to the region, saying, “History is asking each of us a simple but profound question: Will we pass by, or will we stop and help?”
Moro said persistent insecurity in Benue South had led to loss of lives, displacement of families and the abandonment of ancestral farmlands.
According to him, he has consistently raised concerns over the security situation on the floor of the Senate while advocating stronger federal intervention, improved security architecture and better protection for affected communities.
The lawmaker also noted that the creation of additional Nigerian Army divisions by President Bola Tinubu, including one headquartered in Makurdi, would help reduce response time to security breaches in Benue.
He, however, stressed that government intervention alone could not guarantee lasting peace and development, urging Idoma people in the diaspora to complement government efforts through advocacy, investment, philanthropy and knowledge transfer.
“The future we desire cannot be built by political leaders alone. It is the collective responsibility of every Idoma son and daughter, whether at home or in the diaspora,” he said.
Moro called on Idoma professionals and entrepreneurs living abroad to invest in the region, particularly in agriculture, technology, education, healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality and small and medium-scale enterprises.
He said the focus should shift from supporting individuals to establishing institutions and creating sustainable opportunities for future generations.
The Senate Minority Leader also highlighted some interventions he said had been secured for Benue South during his tenure. These include the establishment of the North Central Development Commission, the Federal College of Agriculture and Technology, Opialu-Ojapo, as well as projects in education, healthcare, rural electrification, water supply, roads, youth empowerment and skills acquisition.
He further urged the Benue State Government to provide additional logistical support to security personnel operating in the region.
“When a part of Nigeria bleeds, the whole nation bleeds,” Moro said, calling for adequate deployment of troops, intelligence, logistics and justice to address the security crisis.
He also appealed to the international community and human rights organisations to pay greater attention to the humanitarian situation in Benue South.
“Displacement is becoming genocide by neglect. Hunger is becoming a weapon,” he said.
Moro assured residents of Benue South that he would continue to speak against the killings until peace was restored to affected communities.
The senator also urged Idoma people in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world to preserve their cultural identity, particularly the Idoma language.
“I enjoin you to ensure that every Idoma son and daughter speaks the Idoma language,” he said.
Moro called for greater unity among Idoma people at home and abroad, urging them to reject divisions and work collectively towards building a safer, more prosperous and sustainable homeland.
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