Lawmaker urges FG to extend Housing Scheme to displaced Agatu communities

From Noah Ebije, Kaduna

The member representing Agatu, State Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, Godwin Abuh Edo, has called on the Federal Government to extend its housing scheme for internally displaced persons (IDPs) to affected communities in Agatu Local Government Area.

This was contained in a statement made available to Daily Sun by lawmaker’s Media Aide, Yakubu Obande.

Edo made the appeal while commending Governor Hyacinth Alia for his recent directive to security operatives to comb surrounding forests and flush out criminal elements terrorising communities across the state.

He noted that the absence of sustained and decisive action in the past had emboldened bandits, who exploit forest hideouts to launch attacks on innocent residents.

According to him, the governor’s directive to pursue the criminals into the forests would significantly reduce the frequency of attacks and enable displaced persons to return to their ancestral homes.

The lawmaker, however, lamented that for over four years, several communities in Agatu have remained displaced, with homes, schools and healthcare facilities destroyed.

He said many affected residents have taken refuge in Obagaji, the local government headquarters, under difficult conditions.

Edo criticised what he described as a long-standing “lip service” approach to security in the area, urging security agencies to intensify efforts and take the fight directly to the bandits.

He painted a grim picture of life in the area, noting that despite the presence of military personnel, police, and other security agencies in Obagaji, residents still live in fear.

“People cannot go to their farms or fishing ponds, which are their primary sources of livelihood. Feeding and basic upkeep have become daily struggles. Even at night, many residents move from the outskirts to the town centre to sleep because of insecurity,” he said.

The lawmaker stressed that including Agatu communities in the federal housing scheme would help displaced persons rebuild their lives and resettle without undue hardship.

He further warned that continued insecurity in the area could pose a serious threat to the conduct of the 2027 general elections, as many communities may remain inaccessible if the situation persists.