*”WE ARE BLEEDING FROM WITHIN”: AGATU YOUTH LEADER DECRIES INTERNAL VIOLENCE, CALLS OUT ELDERS OVER SILENCE*
_Obagaji, Agatu – April 25, 2026_
Comr Ochokwunu Daniel Edor has condemned what he described as “foolishness of Agatu public display” following the recent attack in Olegabulu, warning that Agatu is fast losing the ability to distinguish between external aggression and self-inflicted wounds.
In a strongly worded statement, the Convener of the Agatu Indigenous Youth Association (AIYA) expressed disappointment that while Agatu still battles unresolved insecurity from Fulani herdsmen, the community has turned against itself.
“It’s so disappointing that we have been murdered by the Fulani people, and have not resolved our insecurity challenges in that regard, and instead of us putting heads together to see to the end of our common challenges, we are turning ourselves into the enemy within, murdering each other on a daily basis, and tagging it to herdsmen,” Comr Edor said.
He coined the term “domestic Fulani herdsmen” to describe incidents where Agatu people attack each other in ways similar to herdsmen attacks, making it difficult to know when real external attacks occur.
*Leaders Accused of Complicity Through Silence*
Comr Edor lamented the failure of elders and traditional rulers to speak truth and intervene in communal crises. He recalled a 12-year clan head dispute that claimed countless lives until the son of a deceased contestant was installed to end the conflict, though disunity remains.
“Elders supposed to be speaking the truth, in Agatu they are the most liars of all time. Grey hair expected to be equal to integrity as generally understood, became the other way round in Agatu,” he stated.
He cited ongoing tensions in Olegabulu, Agwu, and ADAGBO, alleging that no Agatu leaders have moved to resolve them. He referenced an alleged case where a man from Akwu boasted about attacking ADAGBO after the burial of Michael Umoru Inalegwu’s son, leaving the community deserted.
Comr Edor said he believes Hon. James Melvin Ejeh, Chairman of Agatu LGA, is aware and investigations are ongoing, but questioned why intelligence gathering remains difficult when there was a known contact person.
*Challenge to Traditional Institution*
He challenged the traditional institution, noting that despite Agatu producing the highest traditional position in the Idoma Kingdom, internal disputes remain unresolved.
“I challenge anyone to tell me, the entire kings in Agatu come together to talk on issues affecting them and are sincere enough to call out any community that is wrong and ask them to take off their hand, and if not, they sanction them, point one and I will stop talking about AGATU.”
Comr Edor further alleged marginalization in traditional installations, claiming a king was recently crowned not by the people of the community but by a dominant clan. He vowed to investigate the matter in detail.
*Call to Action*
“We call on the leaders of Agatu to put an end to this matter in OLEGABULU and other parts of Agatu for us to have peace. And let us know when the real Fulani attacks us or the domestic Fulani attacks,” he concluded.
“Listen to this video and tell me if you are proud of being an AGATU person. I am disappointed.”
_Tags:_
Godwin Abu Edoh
Ojotu Ojema
Ojimbili Idris
Agaba-Idu HRM Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John Och’Idoma of Idoma Kingdom
IDOMA NAMES AND MEANING
The Idoma People -Tip
Agatu Security Network-ASN
AGATU LOCAL GOV’T SONS & DAUGHTERS
Agatu Community Magazine
Agatu Peacefully Land
AGATU People’s FORUM
I remain,
*Comr Ochokwunu Daniel Edor*
Convener, Agatu Indigenous Youth Association (AIYA)
_The voice of the Agatu people_