History of the Ologba–Egba Crisis (A Call for Truth, Justice, and Peace).
The crisis between the Ologba and Egba communities dates back to 1972, when a dispute arose over the ownership of the Idogo Stream, located close to Egba community. After litigation, the court ruled that both communities were entitled to drink from the Idogo Stream. The judgment also clarified that the economic trees on the Egba side belonged to Egba, while those on the Ologba side belonged to Ologba.
In 1980, the people of Egba extended their claim beyond the Idogo Stream to Udu and Olote fish ponds. This matter also went to court, and Egba lost the case. Following that judgment, the Ologba community continued to fish in the ponds and invited other communities to participate in accordance with long-standing fishing traditions.
Escalation in the Early 2000s.
Tensions resurfaced in the early 2000s when crude oil was allegedly discovered in the area. It was during this period that the earlier court judgment on Idogo Stream was allegedly altered to include Ochulo Pond, the area where crude oil was said to have been found. This alleged alteration reportedly involved the then chairman of Agatu LGA and deepened the misunderstanding.
In 2008, both communities clashed at the Ochulo River. Although no one was harmed during the clash, tragedy struck the same day when an Ologba man, Mr. Sumaila Muhammad (A.K.A. Engineer), was killed in Egba while passing through the community on his way to Aila. His death triggered further unrest as some members of Ologba entered Egba in search of him.
Violence and Legal Battles.
Since the death of Engineer, the crisis has worsened, leading to multiple attacks and counterattacks. Sadly, many lives have been lost, and properties worth millions of naira have been destroyed. Families on both sides continue to mourn loved ones who never should have died.
Both communities have gone to court several times. Available information shows that judgments—including the most recent Appeal Court ruling in 2023—have consistently favored Ologba community.
To seek clarity and peace, Agatu Local Government is said to have set up a committee of elders and respected individuals chaired by Mr. Akpaidu. Their findings reportedly confirmed that Ochulo Pond and its surroundings belong to Ologba community.
Historical fishing traditions at Ochulo also point in this direction: during fishing festivals, Ologba invited the entire Agatu to fish, after which participants contributed fish to the King of Ologba, who then shared portions with other communities for their respective chiefs.
Key Questions for All Peace-Loving People of Agatu, Idoma land, and Benue State.
1. Why have the court judgments from 1972 to the 2023 Appeal Court ruling not been enforced?
2. Why are both communities still in conflict despite clear legal outcomes and past peace efforts?
3. What roles should Agatu LGA leaders, the Benue State Government, and the Federal Government play in enforcing these judgments and protecting lives?
A Call for Peace and Responsible Leadership.
This crisis has gone on for too long. No land, stream, or pond is worth the continued shedding of Agatu blood. The government at all levels must rise to their responsibility:
✔️ enforce court judgments,
✔️ provide security,
✔️ promote dialogue, and
✔️ ensure justice without bias.
Community leaders, elders, and youths must also commit to truth, restraint, and peaceful coexistence. The memory of those who have died on both sides should push us toward peace, not more violence.
The future of Agatu cannot be built on revenge; it must be built on justice, respect for the law, and unity. Peace remains the only path that benefits everyone. Ending this cycle of violence is possible and it begins with truth, fairness, and sincere commitment to coexistence.
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