The chairman of Agatu Local Government Area of Benue
State, James Melvin Ejeh, has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Fulani herdsmen to
vacate all farmlands.
The directive was issued by Ejeh during a
stakeholders’ meeting held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the council
secretariat in Obagaji.
The meeting brought together traditional rulers,
Fulani community leaders, youth representatives, and security officials to
address growing concerns over herders’ activities on farmland as the planting
season approaches.
Obochi Solomon, the Chief Press Secretary to the Agatu
LGA Chairman, quoted Ejeh as emphasizing the need to protect farming activities
in Agatu ahead of the critical planting season.
He noted that agriculture is the backbone of the local
economy and that farmers must be able to access their lands without fear or
obstruction.
Ejeh, through the statement, commended the relative
peace currently enjoyed in the area but stressed that ensuring uninterrupted
farming activities was a top priority.
“Our farmers must cultivate without disruption. We
will do everything necessary to create a safe environment for them,” he said.
The statement further revealed that during the
meeting, the Ado of the Fulani requested a one-week grace period to enable the
herders to prepare for relocation, a request that was granted by the council.
The CPS added that the General Youth Chairman of Agatu
LGA, Mr Oloche Silas, pledged on behalf of Agatu youths to support the peaceful
evacuation process and to refrain from any form of violence.
Security officials, including representatives of the
Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services, DSS, were quoted as
commending the peaceful manner in which the matter was handled, pledging to
provide necessary support during the relocation.
Also speaking at the meeting, according to the
statement, was Chief John Agidani, who represented the Och’Agatu.
He applauded the Council Chairman’s leadership and
urged all parties to honor the agreement.
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