The Chairman of Agatu Local Government Council in Benue State, Ambassador James Melvin Ejeh, on Friday warned of an alleged influx of terrorists fleeing from Sokoto State into Agatu communities.
Recall that the United States, working alongside Nigerian security forces, carried out airstrikes on locations in Sokoto State in December where terrorists were reportedly planning attacks.
Following the operation, there have been concerns about terrorists dispersing and escaping into neighbouring states.
In a statement issued in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, and made available to Daily Trust, Ejeh drew attention to what he described as a deteriorating security situation in Agatu communities, linking it to recent security developments within and around Benue State.
He said, “Agatu Local Government Area is presently experiencing a renewed wave of violent attacks, which we firmly believe is a fallout of recent military airstrikes in the Sokoko axis.
“These armed elements, fleeing from neighbouring areas, have reportedly infiltrated Agatu communities and unleashed unprecedented terror on innocent and defenceless residents.
“These attacks have resulted in the brutal killing of our people, widespread injuries, reported cases of rape, the destruction of homes and farmlands, and the displacement of hundreds of residents who are now living in fear and uncertainty.”
Ejeh, who also serves as the Benue State deputy chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), said the development had triggered both humanitarian and security challenges requiring urgent intervention.
He condemned the acts of violence, lamenting what he described as the continued killing of Agatu residents on their ancestral land without provocation.
“In view of the persistent violations and escalating violence, I hereby announce the immediate revocation of the 2017 agreement that granted herdsmen access to Adepati Island for grazing.
“That agreement, entered into by the then administration of Agatu Local Government Council, was never carried out in good faith. It was done under the guise of promoting peaceful coexistence, but at the expense of the Agatu people.
“The negative consequences of that action have been enormous. Consequently, I hereby declare the agreement null and void and of no effect whatsoever.
“Furthermore, all armed herders are hereby ordered to vacate Agatu land with immediate effect. Let it be clearly stated that no portion of the Agatu land belongs to herders under any guise,” he posited.
The council chairman stressed that Agatu is predominantly an agrarian society, noting that the protection of farmlands is essential to safeguarding food security and the livelihoods of the people.
He therefore appealed to the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to urgently strengthen military and police deployment in Agatu Local Government Area, stating that existing security measures had been insufficient to curb the attacks.
Ejeh also praised Governor Hyacinth Alia for what he described as sustained efforts toward restoring peace and security in the state, while commending the Commander and troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, the Police, and other security agencies for ongoing kinetic operations aimed at flushing out criminal elements from the area.
“Security agencies have already arrested some relevant suspects and are currently investigating them. No individual found aiding or abetting insecurity in Agatu will be shielded or granted undue leniency.
“The position of the Agatu people is unequivocal: at this time, no herder is welcome on Agatu land. Any future engagement, if considered, will occur only after extensive consultation with the Agatu Traditional Council and other critical stakeholders, and will be conducted strictly through lawful and official channels,” Ejeh maintained.
