Idoma Diaspora Takes Benue South Killings to the White House, Trump

The Idoma Association USA (IAUSA) has resolved to petition the President of the United States over the worsening security and humanitarian crisis in Benue South, as part of a broader international campaign to draw global attention to the killings and displacement in the area.

The decision was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the association’s 30th Annual Convention held in Virginia Beach, Virginia, under the theme, “Building Unity Through Accountability.”

The communiqué said delegates expressed “grave concern over the persistent insecurity, incessant killings, and displacement of innocent citizens in the Benue South Senatorial District and other communities of Benue State.”

It called on the Federal Government, the Benue State Government and security agencies “to take decisive and sustained steps to protect lives and restore peace,” stressing that “such loss of life must never be normalised.”

As part of its resolutions, the convention approved the submission of a formal petition to the President of the United States.

“The Convention approved the submission of a formal petition to the President of the United States of America, drawing attention to the killings, displacement, and humanitarian challenges confronting Benue South, and seeking greater international attention and appropriate humanitarian and diplomatic support.”

The association also resolved to pursue engagements aimed at securing an opportunity for the Och’Idoma V, His Royal Majesty Agaba’Idu John Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji, to present the security and humanitarian concerns of the Idoma people before members and committees of the United States Congress.

“The Convention resolved that IAUSA shall pursue appropriate engagements towards securing an opportunity for His Royal Majesty, the Och’Idoma V, to present the security and humanitarian concerns of the Idoma people before relevant members and committees of the United States Congress, and before such wider audiences as may be appropriate.”

Beyond the United States, IAUSA said it would intensify its global advocacy campaign.

“The Convention resolved to intensify sustained international advocacy on the situation in Benue South, and to continue engagement with governments, international organisations, human rights institutions, policymakers, and the media, ensuring that such advocacy remains factual, responsible, and directed towards practical outcomes.”

The communiqué also acknowledged the presence of Statesman J. P. Paige of Norfolk, Virginia, who pledged support for the association’s advocacy efforts.

“The Convention acknowledged with appreciation the presence of Statesman J. P. Paige… and noted his personal commitment to assist in facilitating the delivery of the Association’s petition to the President of the United States of America.”

On humanitarian intervention, the association announced plans to organise a medical mission to Idoma land in December.

“The Convention resolved that IAUSA shall organise a Medical Mission to Nigeria in December 2026 to provide free medical consultations, healthcare services, medications, and health education to underserved communities throughout Idoma land.”

The convention also urged the people of Benue South to elect leaders based on integrity and competence rather than political affiliation or financial inducement.

“The Convention resolved to undertake voter education and civic awareness initiatives ahead of the forthcoming elections, and urged the people of Benue South to assess candidates on the basis of integrity, competence, accountability, vision, and proven character, rather than ethnicity, political affiliation, or financial inducement.”

IAUSA reaffirmed its commitment to the security, welfare and development of the Idoma Nation, stressing that its success would be measured not by the speeches delivered at the convention but by the implementation of its resolutions.

“The Convention affirmed, finally, that its true measure shall not be the speeches delivered in Virginia Beach, but the actions that follow them.”