The Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area in Benue State, James Melvin Ejeh, has sounded the alarm over a disturbing surge in violent attacks across his communities, attributing the renewed insecurity to an influx of armed groups fleeing recent U.S. military airstrikes in Sokoto State.
In a strongly worded statement released on Friday, the chairman described the situation as a grave security and humanitarian crisis that demands immediate action. He explained that the Christmas Day 2025 missile strikes by the United States on suspected Islamic State terrorists hiding in Sokoto forests had destabilized the groups, prompting many to scatter and seek new hideouts in neighboring areas, including Agatu.
Local residents were among the first to report the arrival of these fleeing attackers, whose presence has triggered fresh waves of violence, leaving communities on edge. Ejeh expressed deep concern over the inadequate security measures currently in place, noting that existing military and police deployments fall far short of what is needed to curb the escalating threats.
In response, the chairman took decisive steps: he ordered all armed herders to vacate Agatu land immediately and revoked a 2017 grazing agreement that had previously allowed herders access to Adepati Island.
"No portion of Agatu land belongs to herders under any guise," he declared firmly. Emphasizing the area's agrarian nature, he stressed that protecting farmlands is essential for food security and the survival of local families.
Ejeh called on the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to urgently reinforce their presence in the local government, warning that without swift intervention, more lives and livelihoods remain at risk. He commended ongoing joint operations by state authorities and agencies like Operation Whirl Stroke, while urging continued collaboration to restore peace.
The developments highlight the broader challenges facing Benue State, long plagued by farmer-herder clashes and banditry, as displaced armed elements exploit regional vulnerabilities in search of safety. Residents of Agatu now hope for rapid response to prevent further bloodshed and allow them to return to their farms without fear.
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