The chairman of Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, James Melvin Ejeh, has issued a strict 48-hour ultimatum to Fulani herdsmen to vacate all farmlands across the council area with immediate effect.
Ejeh made this declaration during a crucial stakeholders’ meeting held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the council secretariat located in Obagaji, Agatu LGA’s headquarters.
The high-level meeting was convened to address mounting concerns and tensions as the planting season approaches, gathering together a wide range of stakeholders including traditional rulers, Fulani community leaders, youth representatives, farmers, and senior security officials.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the chairman, Obochi Solomon, Ejeh emphasized the critical need to protect and prioritize agriculture, which he described as the economic backbone and lifeline of the Agatu people.
He stressed that it is essential for local farmers to be able to access their lands without fear of harassment, obstruction, or disruption, particularly from activities related to cattle grazing.
“Our farmers must cultivate their crops without any disruption whatsoever. We are committed to doing everything legally possible to create a peaceful and safe farming environment,” Ejeh firmly stated.
While commending the relative peace currently being enjoyed within the local government area, Ejeh reiterated that ensuring unhindered farming activities was now the administration’s number one priority moving forward.
During the course of the meeting, the Ado of the Fulani community humbly requested a one-week grace period to allow them to adequately prepare for their relocation, a request that the council, in the spirit of dialogue and peace, graciously accepted.
The General Youth Chairman of Agatu LGA, Mr. Oloche Silas, pledged on behalf of the youth groups full support for the council's peaceful relocation initiative and gave assurances that no form of violence or lawlessness would be tolerated during the process.
Security agencies, represented by officials of the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), praised the council's peaceful, diplomatic approach and promised to provide maximum security and logistical support to ensure a smooth and safe transition.
Also speaking at the meeting, Chief John Agidani, who represented the Och’Agatu, commended Chairman Ejeh’s bold leadership and urged both farmers and herdsmen to respect and uphold the terms of the agreement to maintain harmony in the area.