Council boss revokes agreement granting herdsmen access to grazing facility

From Jude Owuamanam, Jos

Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, James Melvin Ejeh, has ordered the revocation of a 2017 agreement that granted herdsmen access to Adepati Island for grazing.

He said that the agreement, entered into by the then administration of Agatu Local Government Council, was never carried out in good faith as it was done under the guise of promoting peaceful coexistence, but at the expense of the Agatu people.

Ejeh said this was to arrest the worsening security situation in the council.

“Agatu Local Government Area is presently experiencing a renewed wave of violent attacks allegedly perpetrated by armed herders, which we firmly believe is a fallout of recent military airstrikes in the Sokoko axis,” he said.

Ejeh, who is also the deputy chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Benue State Chapter, in a statement made available to newsmen in Jos, said the measure is also to ameliorate the situation, a grave humanitarian and security crisis that demands immediate attention.

The statement said: “I wish to formally address the public on the worsening security situation in Agatu communities following recent developments in parts of Benue State.

“These armed elements, fleeing from neighbouring areas, have reportedly infiltrated Agatu communities and unleashed unprecedented terror on innocent and defenceless residents.

“These attacks have resulted in the brutal killing of our people, widespread injuries, reported cases of rape, the destruction of homes and farmlands, and the displacement of hundreds of residents who are now living in fear and uncertainty.

“As Chairman of Agatu Local Government Council, I unequivocally condemn these barbaric acts and decry the continued bloodshed in Agatu land.

“In view of the persistent violations and escalating violence, I hereby announce the immediate revocation of the 2017 agreement that granted herdsmen access to Adepati Island for grazing.”

Ejeh further said “all armed herders are hereby ordered to vacate Agatu land with immediate effect. Let it be clearly stated that no portion of the Agatu land belongs to herders under any guise.

“Agatu is an agrarian society, and our farmlands must be protected to guarantee food security and the livelihoods of our people.”