*CHAIRMAN’S DILEMMA: Agatu Youth Demand Action Amidst Insecurity and Impunity*
A shocking revelation has rocked Agatu Local Government Area, as a youth leader, Comr Ochokwunu Daniel Edor, has accused stakeholders of being complicit in the ongoing insecurity and crises in the land. Edor cited a meeting where the then chairman asked if an elder involved in the crisis should be dealt with accordingly, but the room fell silent, revealing the depth of the problem.
However, one voice stood tall – Sir John Ngbede, who boldly told the chairman to deal with any guilty elder. Edor now demands the current chairman, Hon. James Melvin Ejeh, takes responsibility for implementing decisions and addressing insecurity, warning that if he fails, he becomes the problem.
The youth council threatens to recall leaders, stage protests, and expose complicit traditional leaders if issues aren’t addressed. “Enough is enough,” Edor said. “We won’t hesitate to rubbish any traditional leaders that are part of our problems.”
The situation in Agatu Local Government Area is quite tense, with recent attacks by suspected herders leaving two fishermen dead and many more displaced. Chairman James Melvin Ejeh has vowed to take action against the perpetrators, describing the attacks as “unacceptable” and a “direct assault on the peace and security” of the community. ¹ ²
In response to the insecurity, Ejeh has banned logging activities in the area, citing environmental degradation and the need to curb criminal activities. He has also revoked a grazing agreement with herders, ordering them to vacate Agatu communities. ³ ⁴
The chairman has assured residents of his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, and has called on security agencies to intensify efforts to track down those responsible for the attacks.