Agatu Residents Protest, Demand Removal of Herdsmen Ahead of Farming Season

By Abah Margaret

Residents of Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State on Monday staged a protest in Obagaji, the council headquarters, calling for the removal of Fulani herdsmen from their communities ahead of the farming season.

The protesters, carrying placards and chanting slogans, marched to the local government secretariat to express concerns over insecurity and the impact of herders’ activities on farming.

They warned that the approaching rainy season requires immediate access to farmlands, stressing that the continued presence of cattle could lead to crop destruction and renewed clashes.

An eyewitness said the protest was driven by persistent security challenges in the area.

“The demonstration is due to the ongoing herdsmen crisis. Residents can no longer safely access their farms or carry out agricultural activities,” the source said.

The protesters insisted that herders should vacate farmlands to ensure a peaceful and productive planting season.

Confirming the development, the Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Melvin Ejeh, said he had engaged with the protesting youths and community leaders to address their concerns.

“I have spoken with the youths and also met with the elders. Measures will be taken to resolve the situation,” he said.

Ejeh, however, noted that details of security strategies would not be disclosed publicly. He assured residents that efforts were ongoing to sustain peace and prevent further crisis in the area.

“I am encouraged that attacks have reduced, and we will continue to work towards maintaining stability in the local government,” he added.