Residents of Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State staged a protest in Obagaji, the council headquarters, on Monday, demanding the removal of Fulani herdsmen from their communities ahead of the farming season.
The angry residents, who were carrying placards and chanting “Fulani must go,” marched to the local government secretariat in Obagaji to express their grievances.
The protesters said the approaching rainy season requires them to begin planting, stressing that the presence of herders and their cattle could lead to destruction of crops and possible clashes.
An eyewitness who spoke to DAILY POST during the protest said the demonstration was driven by persistent insecurity in the area.
“The protest is currently ongoing in Obagaji, Agatu Local Government Area, 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,” the resident 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 must vacate farmlands to ensure a peaceful farming season.
Confirming the development, the Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Melvin Ejeh, said he had met with the aggrieved residents and community elders to address their concerns.
“I have spoken with the protesting youths and also met with the elders. Measures will be taken to address the situation,” he said.
Ejeh, however, noted that security strategies would not be made public.
“Security issues and actions are not things to be discussed in the public,” he added.
The chairman assured 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.
