Residents of Agatu Local Government Area in Benue State staged a protest on Monday in Obagaji, the council headquarters, demanding the removal of Fulani herdsmen from their communities ahead of the upcoming farming season.
Carrying placards and chanting “Fulani must go,” the protesters marched to the local government secretariat to voice their concerns. They said the approaching rainy season requires them to begin planting, warning that the presence of herders and their cattle could destroy crops and spark clashes.
An eyewitness told Daily Post that the protest was driven by persistent insecurity in the area. “The protest is currently ongoing in Obagaji due to the persistent herdsmen crisis. They keep attacking and killing our people with sophisticated weapons. We can no longer go to our farms or carry out our farming activities,” he said.
He added, “May God help the people of Agatu. We will continue to stand strong because this is our land, and we did not inherit it together with them.”
The protesters insisted that herders vacate farmlands to ensure a peaceful farming season.
Confirming the development, the Chairman of Agatu Local Government, Melvin Ejeh, said he had met with the protesting youths and community elders to address their grievances.
“I have spoken with the protesting youths and also met with the elders. Measures will be taken to address the situation,” he said, adding that specific security strategies would not be disclosed publicly.
Ejeh reassured residents that efforts were ongoing to maintain peace and prevent any crisis in the area. “I am happy that the rate of herders’ attacks has reduced in the local government, and we will continue to do everything possible to avoid any chaotic incident,” he said.
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