His Royal Majesty Agaba’idu Elaigwu Odogbo John (Och’Idoma V), president of the Idoma Area Traditional Council, has warned that bitterness, disunity, and irresponsible conduct among the people are undermining Idoma Kingdom and worsening insecurity.

In his New Year broadcast to the Idoma Nation on January 1, 2026, the royal father emphasized that internal divisions, rumours, and lingering resentment now pose serious threats to peace and development.

“I urge every Idoma son and daughter to lay down bitterness, seek reconciliation, and understand that the strength of a people begins from their homes,” he said.

The monarch cautioned that communities where rivalry and hatred fester become easy targets for criminals, noting that many long-standing disputes began as minor misunderstandings.

He also issued a stern warning to individuals and communities harbouring or shielding criminals, declaring that such actions would no longer be tolerated. “Peace is not a gift dropped into a community. Security begins with responsible citizenship,” he stated.

On the political front, the Och’Idoma stressed that violence, intimidation, and lawlessness would not be tolerated, urging political actors to pursue ambitions with civility and respect for the law.

He condemned the rising trend of social media demarketing of Idoma people, leaders, and institutions, noting that misinformation and public ridicule harm the collective honour of the Idoma Nation.

While acknowledging past security challenges, he noted that cooperation with security agencies had yielded progress, but unity, vigilance, and lawful cooperation remain critical.

The traditional ruler called on rulers, community leaders, youths, and religious leaders to embrace reconciliation and peace-building, urging all Idoma people to place unity above personal grievances in 2026.