Press Release: ‘NCFRMI’ COMMITS TO FOOD, LIVELIHOOD AID, AND LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS FOR AGATU IDPs AS HON. EJEH INTENSIFIES ADVOCACY.
Thursday, August 21, 2025.
The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and IDPs, has assured immediate humanitarian intervention for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State. This intervention includes the provision of food supplies, non-food items (NFIs), livelihood kits, seasonal farming assistance, and plans for durable solutions to rebuild the devastated communities.
The Honourable Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Hon.Tijani Aliyu Ahmed made the pledge during a meeting with a delegation of Agatu stakeholders at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday. The delegation, led by the Executive Chairman of Agatu Local Government Council, Hon.(Amb) James Melvin Ejeh, included representatives from the Agatu Traditional Council, headed by Chief Jerry Ochola; the Agatu West Elders Forum, led by Col. Isah Odagbali (retd.); and the Agatu West Peace and Unity Forum, represented by Ebi Lucky.
Hon. (Amb) James Melvin Ejeh had earlier presented a passionate appeal to the Commission, submitting both hard and soft copies of pictorial evidence showcasing the destruction in Agatu. “What we met in Agatu was heartbreaking. Fifteen of our communities—Ikpele 1, Ikpele 2, Egwuma, Iwarri, Ogwumogbo, Okpokpolo, Akele, Okwutanobe, Ejima, Olegadapa, Olamachi, Ogbai London, Olegankolo, Olegadaechono, and others—had been completely sacked by criminal elements we can only describe as bandits. Families were displaced, homes and schools burnt down, hospitals and markets reduced to ashes, and thousands rendered homeless in their own land,” he said.
Hon. Ejeh described the dire humanitarian situation in the area, emphasizing that the restoration of peace has not been enough to resolve the challenges facing the displaced population. “While peace has been restored to a relative extent, our displaced people can not return home because there is nothing left for them to return to. There are no schools for their children, no healthcare centers for the sick, no homes, and no markets. The ruins of their communities make it impossible for them to rebuild their lives without external intervention,” he explained.
The Chairman commended the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for his unwavering support in addressing insecurity and fostering peace in Agatu. “We sincerely appreciate our Executive Governor for his tireless efforts in addressing insecurity in Benue and for his continued support toward peace in Agatu. His leadership has been instrumental in mobilizing resources and guiding security responses that have saved countless lives,” Hon. Ejeh said.
He also acknowledged the critical role played by security agencies in restoring peace to the area. “The professionalism and dedication of our security agencies, including Operation Whirl Stroke, the police, the DSS,civil Defence and local vigilante groups, have ensured that for over eight months now, Agatu has enjoyed peace, with no major herders/farmers clashes,” he noted.
Responding to the appeal, Hon. Tijani Aliyu Ahmed assured the delegation of NCFRMI’s commitment to providing immediate and long-term support. “The plight of the people of Agatu is deeply concerning, and as a Commission, we are mandated to ensure that no displaced person is left behind. Our intervention will focus on providing immediate relief through food supplies, NFIs, and livelihood kits while also working toward durable solutions to rebuild the communities and restore dignity to the displaced,” Hon Tijani said.
The Honourable Commissioner emphasized the importance of fostering peace and coexistence in resolving crises. “In all conflicts, there must come a time to reach equilibrium and address the issues. Now is that time for Agatu. I appeal to all stakeholders to work toward living together in peace. Peace is achievable when those who had differences in the past choose to forget the negative events and move forward,” Hon. Tijani stated.
He also highlighted the Federal Government’s recent approach to addressing the broader farmers-herders crisis through the formation of the Presidential Committee on Livestock Reforms. “This committee is tasked with creating long-term solutions to the conflict while modernizing the livestock industry and fostering peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders. It is an important step toward achieving sustainable peace in affected areas,” he added.
Hon. James Melvin Ejeh expressed optimism about the intervention and the potential for rebuilding Agatu’s communities. “We believe in this government’s commitment to addressing the plight of internally displaced persons. With the NCFRMI’s support, we are confident that the people of Agatu will not remain forgotten. This intervention will bring hope to thousands of displaced persons and help them rebuild their lives,” he concluded.
The NCFRMI is expected to commence its intervention immediately, with plans for a comprehensive needs assessment to ensure tailored support for the affected communities.
Amb Obochi Solomon,
Chief Press Secretary
Office of the Executive Chairman
Agatu Local Government Council