BENUE : AGATU COUNCIL CHAIR REITERATES COMMITMENT TO PEACE, SECURITY
— Receives Army War College Team, Bags Prestigious Leadership Award
— Calls on NDLEA to Establish Office in LG to Curb Crisis
The Executive Chairman of Agatu Local Government Council, Hon. Amb James Melvin Ejeh, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to peace, security, and good governance.
He made this statement on Monday, March 24, 2025, while welcoming participants from the Army War College of Nigeria at the Agatu Local Government Council Secretariat, in Obagaji.
Hon. Ejeh expressed his gratitude for their choice of Agatu Local Government Area for their study tour, assuring the participants that the insights gained during their visit would enhance the region’s security strategies.
Reflecting on his journey since becoming council chairman, Ejeh stated, “I was inaugurated as Chairman of this local government on October 7, 2024. Upon taking office, I discovered that 14 communities had been completely devastated by herders who had occupied these areas.”
He continued, “My administration decided to embark on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). We convened meetings to bring both parties together for discussions aimed at resolving the farmers/herders crisis in the region.”
“Following these discussions, the herders vacated those communities. To the glory of God, our people have been able to return to their ancestral homes. However, their homes were destroyed, and we have been actively seeking humanitarian aid to help rebuild them.”
“Thanks to these efforts, the local government has enjoyed relative peace over the past five months since I took office.”
In addition, Ejeh, who is also the Deputy Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Benue State, has called on the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to establish a local office in the region to address the increasing rate of crises.
He stated, “This would not only enhance security but also provide a platform for education and sensitization, ultimately restoring peace and stability to the Agatu Local Government Area.”
The visiting team, led by Brigadier General Odigie, included officers from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, NDLEA, NEMA and other military personnel from across the nation.
Speaking on behalf of the visitors, the team leader, who also doubled as the Deputy Commandant of the Nigeria Army War College, Brigadier General Odigie, commended Ejeh’s proactive approach to security and recognized the local government’s stability as a testament to his leadership.
He urged all security agencies to continue collaborating with the Chairman and relevant stakeholders to maintain peace and protect lives and property in the area.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of a leadership award to Honourable Melvin James Ejeh, followed by a group photograph with the participants from the Nigerian Army War College, marking a memorable conclusion to the visit.
Amb Obochi Solomon
Chief Press Secretary to Executive Chairman, Agatu LG
March 26, 2025