Tension Boils Over in Benue: Agatu Residents Storm Streets, Demand Fulani Herders Leave Before Farming Season.
Tempers flared in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State on Monday as residents took to the streets in protest, demanding that Fulani herdsmen vacate their communities ahead of the upcoming farming season.
The demonstration, which took place in Obagaji – the council headquarters – saw large crowds of protesters marching to the local government secretariat while holding placards and chanting slogans calling for the herders to leave.
According to the demonstrators, the rainy season is fast approaching and farmers must begin planting their crops. They warned that allowing cattle to remain in the area could lead to destruction of farmland and potentially spark violent clashes.
An eyewitness who spoke during the protest said the demonstration was fueled by long-standing insecurity linked to herdsmen attacks.
“The protest is ongoing in Obagaji because of the persistent crisis involving herders,” the resident said. “Our people keep getting attacked and killed by armed men. Many of us can’t even go to our farms anymore.”
He added that the community feels compelled to stand its ground.
“May God help the people of Agatu. This is our ancestral land and we will continue to stand strong,” he said.
The protesters insisted that herders and their cattle must leave the farmlands to allow farmers cultivate in peace this season.
Reacting to the situation, the Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Melvin Ejeh, confirmed that he had already engaged with both the protesting youths and community elders in an effort to calm tensions.
“I have spoken with the youths involved in the protest and also met with the elders. Steps will be taken to address their concerns,” he said.
However, the Council Chairman noted that details of security plans would not be disclosed publicly.
“Security matters are sensitive and cannot be discussed openly,” he added.
Ejeh also reassured residents that efforts are being intensified to maintain peace in the area.
He noted that attacks by herders in the local government have reduced recently and promised that authorities would continue working to prevent any outbreak of violence.
