Agatu council orders Fulani herders to leave farmlands within 48hrs

DDM News

In a bid to protect agricultural activities ahead of the farming season, the chairman of Agatu Local Government Area in Benue State, James Melvin Ejeh, has issued a directive giving Fulani herdsmen 48 hours to vacate all agricultural lands in the area.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM) correspondent, the directive was announced on Saturday, April 26, 2025, during a stakeholders’ meeting convened at the council secretariat in Obagaji.

The gathering brought together traditional rulers, Fulani representatives, youth leaders, and security officials to address rising concerns about the impact of herders’ activities on farmlands.

Benue State, often referred to as Nigeria’s “Food Basket of the Nation,” has long relied on agriculture as the backbone of its economy.

However, disputes between farmers and herders over land use have been a recurring source of tension.

These conflicts have, in the past, resulted in violence, displacement, and significant losses in agricultural production.

Authorities in Agatu, one of the hardest-hit regions during previous clashes, have taken proactive steps this season to prevent the reoccurrence of such incidents.

According to a statement from the chief press secretary to the Agatu LGA chairman, Obochi Solomon, Ejeh emphasized that farming activities must remain uninterrupted as the community prepares for the critical planting period.

“Our farmers must be able to cultivate without fear of disruption,” Ejeh stated, reinforcing the council’s commitment to safeguarding farmland from encroachment.

He added that while the current atmosphere in Agatu is peaceful, proactive measures are essential to maintain stability and support the community’s economic lifeline.

During the meeting, the Ado of the Fulani community appealed for a one-week extension to allow herders sufficient time to organize their departure.

In a show of goodwill, the council agreed to the extension, allowing for a more orderly and peaceful relocation process.

General Youth Chairman of Agatu, Oloche Silas, pledged on behalf of the Agatu youths to assist in ensuring the evacuation process proceeds without violence.

He affirmed the community’s readiness to work closely with security agencies to guarantee peace throughout the relocation exercise.

Security operatives from the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), present at the meeting, lauded the peaceful discussions and promised to support the relocation efforts by providing necessary security.

Furthermore, Chief John Agidani, speaking on behalf of the Och’Agatu, praised the leadership of the council chairman.

He urged all stakeholders to uphold the terms of the agreement in the collective interest of sustaining peace and promoting agricultural development in Agatu.

The local council’s decision reflects broader efforts across Benue State to prioritize farming activities while mitigating the age-old conflict between herders and farmers, especially during crucial agricultural seasons.

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