By Chioma Okoye
The Idoma Association USA (IAUSA) has resolved to petition United States President Donald Trump over reported killings, displacement and the security situation in Benue South Senatorial District and other parts of Benue State.
The resolution was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the association’s 30th Annual Convention held in Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States, with the theme, “Building Unity Through Accountability.”
The convention, attended by delegates, traditional leaders, government representatives and members of the Idoma diaspora, expressed “grave concern over the persistent insecurity, incessant killings, and displacement of innocent citizens” in Benue South and other communities in 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,” stressing that “such loss of life must never be normalised.”
According to the communiqué, the convention “approved the submission of a formal petition to the President of the United States of America”, drawing attention to reported killings, displacement and humanitarian challenges confronting communities in Benue South.
The petition, it said, would seek “greater international attention and appropriate humanitarian and diplomatic support.”
The association also resolved to pursue engagements towards 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 relevant members and committees of the United States Congress.
The convention further resolved to “intensify sustained international advocacy on the situation in Benue South” through continued engagement with governments, international organisations, human rights institutions, policymakers and the media.
It said such advocacy would remain “factual, responsible, and directed towards practical outcomes.”
The convention also acknowledged the presence of Statesman J. P. Paige of Norfolk, Virginia, who conveyed the solidarity of the people of Norfolk with the Idoma Nation and expressed his personal commitment to assist in facilitating the delivery of the association’s petition to the US President.
Medical Mission
Beyond international advocacy, IAUSA resolved to organise a medical mission to Nigeria in December 2026.
The convention said the mission would provide “free medical consultations, healthcare services, medications, and health education” to underserved communities across Idoma land.
It stressed that “advocacy and practical intervention must advance together, so that the voice of the diaspora is matched by measurable relief in the lives of our people at home.”
Leadership, Elections
On leadership and elections, the convention reaffirmed that integrity must remain at the heart of leadership and public service, calling on present and future leaders to embrace “accountability, transparency, and selfless service.”
It also resolved to undertake voter education and civic awareness initiatives ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The association urged the people of Benue South to assess candidates based on “integrity, competence, accountability, vision, and proven character,” rather than ethnicity, political affiliation or financial inducement.
IAUSA further reaffirmed its commitment to the long-term development of Idoma land through initiatives promoting healthcare, education, youth empowerment, economic growth and cultural preservation.
The convention called for stronger cooperation among the traditional institution, government, diaspora, civil society and Idoma communities, noting that “the challenges confronting our people are far too serious to be undermined by personal, political, or sectional differences.”
The convention also passed a unanimous vote of confidence in the leadership of IAUSA President, Prince Dr Edwin Ochai, and the entire Executive Committee for their “dedication, transparency, and effective stewardship.”
It further resolved that the next Annual Convention of the Idoma Association USA would be held in Canada.
Concluding the communiqué, the association said the true measure of the Virginia Beach convention would not be the speeches delivered but “the actions that follow them.”
