Makurdi—The Chairman of Agatu Local Government Council in Benue State, Ambassador James Melvin Ejeh, has warned of worsening insecurity in his locality following the infiltration of terrorists fleeing recent military airstrikes in Sokoto State.

In December, joint operations by U.S. and Nigerian forces bombed suspected terrorist hideouts in Sokoto, prompting reports of militants escaping into neighboring states.

Ejeh, who also serves as Deputy Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Benue, said Agatu communities are now experiencing violent attacks linked to the fallout of the Sokoto strikes.

“These armed elements, fleeing from neighbouring areas, have reportedly infiltrated Agatu communities and unleashed unprecedented terror on innocent and defenceless residents,” he said.

According to him, the attacks have led to:

• Brutal killings of residents
• Widespread injuries and reported cases of rape
• Destruction of homes and farmlands
• Displacement of hundreds of people now living in fear

Ejeh announced the immediate revocation of a 2017 agreement that had granted herdsmen access to Adepati Island for grazing.

“That agreement 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. Consequently, I hereby declare the agreement null and void and of no effect whatsoever,” he declared.

He further ordered all armed herders to vacate Agatu land, stressing that no portion of the area belongs to herders under any guise.

Call for Federal Intervention

The chairman urged the Federal Government and security agencies to urgently deploy reinforced military and police presence in Agatu, noting that current arrangements were inadequate.

He commended Governor Hyacinth Alia, Operation Whirl Stroke, and other security agencies for ongoing operations, but insisted more robust measures were needed to stem the tide of violence.

“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,” he warned.

Ejeh emphasized that Agatu remains an agrarian society and farmlands must be protected to guarantee food security and livelihoods.

“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,” he said.

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