A pro-ethnic group, Ochetoha K’Idoma Forum Worldwide, has condemned the killing of Fulani leader, Ardo Risku Mohammed and Mr Yakubu Isah in Ohimini local government area of Benue.
This was contained in a statement by its president-general, Prof Yakubu Ochefu, and the secretary-general, Chief Paul Edeh, in Abuja, on Saturday.
The forum described the killings as a tragic act that must not go unpunished, urging security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute the perpetrators.
It said the victims had attended a police-convened peace and security meeting before they were reportedly attacked and killed.
It expressed deep sorrow, saying no grievance or historical disagreement justified taking innocent lives.
The organisation extended condolences to the bereaved families, the Fulani community in Ohimini and all who looked up to Mohammed for leadership.
It insisted that those responsible must face justice, irrespective of their identity, community or social standing.
While mourning the victims, it said the incident highlighted prolonged insecurity that had claimed many lives across Idomaland over the past decade.
It lamented attacks on villages, killings of farmers, assaults on women, and displacement of communities.
The forum, however, noted that lasting peace in Benue would only be achieved through general, instead of selective, expressions of grief.
It cautioned against blaming the entire Idoma people for the killings, insisting criminal responsibility remained personal.
The forum said suspects should not be treated as criminals until investigations established their identities and motives.
It reiterated its rejection of attempts to stereotype any ethnic group over criminal acts committed by individuals.
The organisation urged citizens, commentators and media organisations to avoid inflammatory narratives capable of worsening ethnic tensions.
It criticised successive federal and state governments over what it described as ineffective responses to insecurity in Benue.
The forum said repeated appeals through letters, meetings and public engagements had yielded little improvement.
It called on governments and security agencies to adopt comprehensive, intelligence-driven strategies to protect all law-abiding residents.
The organisation said piecemeal responses had failed to provide lasting solutions to recurring violence.
It appealed to Idoma people at home and abroad to remain calm, law-abiding and avoid retaliations.
The forum urged anyone with useful information to cooperate with security agencies investigating the killings.
It stressed that justice must be pursued through lawful means, warning that revenge would deepen divisions.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence and equal protection of every human life under the law.
It expressed hope that justice would be served without fear or favour and prayed for lasting peace in Benue and Nigeria. (NAN)
