AGATU COUNCIL CHAIRMAN GIVES FULANI HERDSMEN DEADLINE TO VACATE
To ensure an uninterrupted farming season for his constituents, the Agatu Local Government Area Chairman, Hon. (Amb.) James Melvin Ejeh has issued a 48-hour deadline for Fulani herdsmen to vacate Agatu lands with their cattle.
During a stakeholders’ meeting held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the secretariat headquarters of Agatu LGA in Obagaji, Hon. Ejeh emphasized the crucial role of agriculture in sustaining the livelihoods of the people of Agatu and Benue State as a whole.
The meeting, whose sole objective was to address the pressing concerns surrounding the presence of Fulani herdsmen and their cattle in Agatu land, brought together key stakeholders from the Agatu Traditional Council, Agatu and Fulani communities, youth leaders, and security personnel.
Highlighting the importance of peaceful coexistence, the Chairman noted that farming is the backbone of the local economy, providing essential sustenance for the community.
As a peace and security strategist, he stated that the local government has been working diligently to maintain peace and security in the area.
“I’m impressed with the level of peace we’ve enjoyed in Agatu,” he said. “However, we must ensure that our farmers can cultivate their lands without disruption or fear of harm or crop destruction, especially during this farming season. My administration is fully committed to ensuring that farmers and every resident of Agatu have a secure environment in which to go about their daily activities.”
He urged all stakeholders to support his peace initiatives, emphasizing the critical importance of unity in promoting growth and development in Agatu. He also called upon the Fulani herdsmen to relocate peacefully, allowing farmers to take full advantage of the farming season.
The Agatu Council Chairman expressed gratitude to the people of Agatu, particularly the youth, for their patience and tolerance during this period. He encouraged them to unite and support any efforts that promote peace in the local government area.
Additionally, he thanked the Fulani stakeholders for their contributions to peace initiatives and expressed appreciation to the state government and security agencies for their support in maintaining harmony within the community.
In response, the Ado of the Fulani expressed appreciation for the Chairman’s leadership, thanked the people of Agatu for their hospitality, and requested a one-week grace period to arrange their belongings. He emphasized their desire to maintain the peace that has been established over the past few months.
Also speaking, the General Youth Chairman of Agatu LGA, Mr Oloche Silas, praised the council chairman and assured Agatu youths of their commitment to refrain from harming any cattle or Fulani during the resolution process. He urged them to keep their promises.
The Divisional Police Officer and representatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) acknowledged the efforts of Agatu Local Government youths and the Fulani herdsmen in maintaining peace. They commended the council chairman’s approach to resolving disputes, highlighting that it has not only restored peace but also instilled hope in the community.
In his remarks, Chief John Agidani, a second-class chief and representative of the Och’Agatu, commended the council chairman for his visionary leadership, especially considering the impending deadline for the Fulani to vacate Agatu lands as the farming season begins.
The Och’Agatu expressed his appreciation to the Fulani for their response and urged them to adhere to the terms of their agreement.
The meeting concluded with a unanimous agreement to grant the Fulani herdsmen a one-week grace period to prepare for their relocation from Agatu land.
Amb Obochi Solomon
Chief Press Secretary to Chairman of Agatu LG.
April 27, 2025