*DISAPPOINTING: ATAKPA COMMUNITY ATTACKED AS AGATU YOUTH LEADER ALLEGES LEADERSHIP COMPLICITY IN ORGANIZED VIOLENCE*
_Atakpa, Agatu – April 29, 2026_
Disappointment and anger have trailed the attack on Atakpa community this morning by suspected Fulani militia, with allegations that the violence is part of an organized plan by some Agatu leaders to distract the people while facilitating illegal mining deals.
In a strongly worded statement, Comr Ochokwunu Daniel Edor, Convener of the Agatu Indigenous Youth Association (AIYA), described the attack as deeply troubling, especially as Atakpa is the hometown of Agatu Local Government Chairman, Hon. James Melvin Ejeh.
“ATAKPA COMMUNITY UNDER ATTACK THIS MORNING. The very community where our honourable chairman James Melvin Ejeh hails from, was this morning attacked by the Fulani militia known as herdsmen,” Comr Edor stated.
He revealed that reports also reached him of large movements of people around the Obagaji–Ologba–Egba boundaries, crossing from the fadama towards the axis of the attacked area. “I don’t want to state that it’s the same people that appear at that axis, however, it’s not far from the truth,” he noted.
Comr Edor alleged that what Agatu leaders “cannot do does not exist,” claiming that if a community in Agatu could allegedly hire Fulani fighters against another, then the same could be done against Atakpa.
He linked the attack to rumours of land sales to miners under the guise of farming, allegedly discussed at a gathering “said to be deputised on behalf of the number one ruler.” He further alleged that the killings appear to be a deliberate attempt to pave the way for illegal mining in Agatu West, then spread to other parts of Agatu to avoid suspicion.
“This attack is part of an organised arrangement by them to distract our attention from talking about their plan of selling our land to the same Fulani this time for mining and no longer for grazing that they did in 2017,” he said. “Their sin is even more gracious than the one our former chairman did, the former chairman never approve the murdering of our people but they did.”
Vowing not to be distracted, Comr Edor added: “I guarantee them, we are more focused than you ever think. By the time I start writing about this, you will know you can’t distract us with all this trouble, however, you can’t murder all of us, we are stronger together.”
He hinted at an alleged dispute between Atakpa and Olegabulu, involving Ogbaulu and Egba people, and warned of “a gang of communities united in destruction in Agatu” allegedly backed by leaders “parading as the ones providing solutions in disguise.”
“All those leaders you think are giving solution, they are the ones behind the problem, trust them at your own risk. I will tell you their involvement soon when I have the right information.”
Comr Edor disclosed he is commencing personal investigations into developments from Egba, Ogbaulu, Abugbe, and Akwu, after which he will release “the next chapter” of his findings.
_By:_
Comr Ochokwunu Daniel Edor
Convener, Agatu Indigenous Youth Association (AIYA)
_The voice of the Agatu people_