The Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area in Benue State, Hon. Melvin Ejeh, has commended the peaceful protest staged by displaced residents of Agatu communities who are demanding an end to persistent attacks and the safe return to their ancestral homes.
Hundreds of internally displaced persons and youths from Agatu took to the streets on March 13 and March 14, 2026, blocking sections of the Oweto–Otukpo highway near the Oweto Bridge in a dramatic demonstration against the continued killings in their communities.
In a statement made available to the media, said, the protesters, many of whom have lived in makeshift shelters for years after fleeing repeated attacks, carried placards with inscriptions such as “Stop Agatu Killings Now,” “Save Agatu Land,” and “Let Us Return to Our Farms.” They accused armed Fulani militants of driving them from their ancestral villages and demanded urgent intervention from both the federal and state governments.
” Commending the protests and Immediate deployment of adequate security forces to Agatu communitie, the safe return of displaced farmers to their ancestral lands, the dismantling of armed groups operating in the forests and rural settlements, Government protection for farming activities ahead of the planting season
Adding that, agatu is a predominantly agrarian area in Benue State, has endured years of violent attacks linked to the broader Fulani militant attacks in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. The crisis has resulted in the destruction of villages, displacement of thousands and significant loss of lives over the past decade.
Reacting to the protest, Ejeh said he understood the frustrations of the displaced residents and acknowledged their right to demonstrate peacefully.
“I want to say that I understand why the protesters embarked on this peaceful action, and I wish to state that they have every right to protest and demand the opportunity to return to their ancestral lands,” he said while speaking to our correspondent.
The council chairman also revealed that concrete security measures were already underway to stabilize the area and restore confidence among displaced residents.
“As we speak, I have made available all the necessary arrangements to bring in a military base in Agatu and closer to the areas of conflict,” he said.
According to him, the proposed security deployment would not be symbolic but operationally robust.
“This military unit would be equipped with the latest kinetic and modern weapons. They will be armed with armoured vehicles, tanks and drones. Furthermore, they will not remain on the highways but will be embedded with the villagers in the affected communities.”
Ejeh added that the military would work closely with local security structures.
“The troops will operate in conjunction with local vigilante groups in Agatu to ensure that every community is adequately protected.”
He emphasized that the people of Agatu have endured too much violence and instability.
“We have had enough of bloodshed, killings and death in Agatu land,” he said.
Ejeh further disclosed that he had already consulted with key authorities regarding the plan.
“I have discussed with the state governor and the military officers in charge of Operation Whirl Stroke, and they have agreed with my plans to strengthen security in the area.”
Observers note that the chairman’s response reflects growing pressure on authorities to address the humanitarian and security crisis facing displaced communities across parts of Benue State.
In recent months, Ejeh has also taken a firm stance on the presence of armed pastoral groups in the area. Community leaders say he previously issued directives instructing Fulani herders operating illegally within Agatu territory to vacate the land in order to prevent further clashes and protect farming communities.
While the security situation remains fragile, many residents view the chairman’s proactive engagement with both the military and state authorities as a step toward restoring stability.
For displaced families who have spent years away from their homes, the hope is that the current momentum driven by both community advocacy and government response may finally pave the way for their safe return to the lands they have long called home.
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