.Insists farming activities must not be interrupted
.Tears flow as community holds mass burial for victims of attack
In a bid to address the protracted insecurity in Benue State, the chairman of Agatu Local Government Area of the State, James Melvin Ejeh, has given Fulani herdsmen 48-hour notice to leave all agricultural lands.
The announcement was made during a stakeholders’ meeting on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the council secretariat in Obagaji.
The meeting included traditional leaders, representatives from the Fulani community, youth leaders, and security personnel who discussed the increasing concerns regarding herders’ activities on farmland as the planting season draws near.
In the recent massacre, the immediate past chairman of Ukum Iorzaa, Victor Msuega who is also involved in the rescue missions of locals put the death toll at 70.
The death toll in the latest herdsmen massacre at Ukum, near Zaki Biam and other parts of the Sankera constituency in Benue state has climbed to 70, according to sources.
This is not the first massacre by herdsmen in Benue. The most well-known massacre was the January 1st, 2018 new year day Massacre in Guma and Logo local council when the government gave them a mass burial.
But even then, the new year day massacre was only more publicised. The worst herdsmen massacre that claimed the highest number of lives in Benue state was the Agatu massacre of 2015. The death toll at Agatu was reportedly put between 300-500.
Right after the New Year’s Day massacre, two catholic Priests were again slain in an early morning attack on a catholic church in Gwer local council.
However, the latest massacre is the most confounding to the people of Benue state. This particular massacre has a different character. The herders were brazen with a completely devil-may-care attitude.
While in all previous attacks, the herders came with stealth during hours designed to take their victims unawares, this time they came, mostly in broad daylight, allegedly flaunting their AK 47s and other weapons in full public view.
The locals alerted the security agencies and even publicly posted the pictures of the marauders on social media.
And, as usual, there was no resistance. They killed, raped and maimed at will.
In the wake of the dastardly act, the Benue state governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia put the death toll at 56.
With a determination to address the trend, the Agatu council area of the State summoned a meeting where resolutions were reached.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Agatu LGA Chairman, Obochi Solomon, reported that Ejeh highlighted the importance of safeguarding agricultural activities in Agatu in light of the upcoming farming season.
He remarked that agriculture is essential to the local economy and that farmers should have unhindered access to their lands.
Ejeh also acknowledged the current peace in the region but reiterated that maintaining uninterrupted farming activities is of utmost importance.
“Our farmers must cultivate without disruption. We will do everything necessary to create a safe environment for them,” he said.
The statement further disclosed that during the meeting, the Ado of the Fulani requested a one-week extension to allow the herders to prepare for their relocation, a request that the council approved.
The CPS noted that the General Youth Chairman of Agatu LGA, Oloche Silas, committed on behalf of the Agatu youths to support the peaceful evacuation process and to avoid any acts of violence.
Security personnel, including members of the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), were reported to have praised the peaceful resolution of the issue and promised to offer necessary assistance during the relocation.
Additionally, representing the Och’Agatu, Chief John Agidani, spoke at the meeting, commending the leadership of the Council Chairman and urging all parties to adhere to the agreement.
It was tears and wailing as victims of a recent herdsmen attack in Otobi Akpa community, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, were buried on Sunday, April 27.
Suspected herdsmen on April 15 launched an attack on the community, killing over 10 persons and leaving several others injured.
Amidst tears and anguish, the bereaved families rained curses on the herdsmen.
Grief-stricken mourners wept uncontrollably as the caskets containing the remains of the victims were lowered into the earth.
The funeral ceremony for the mass burial was held at Methodist Primary School in Otobi Akpa.
Addressing the bereaved families during the burial, the Chairman of Otukpo LGA, Maxwell Ogiri, described the day as the saddest in the history of the community.
He prayed that such evil would never again befall the land and called for unity among the people during this difficult time.
Also speaking, a former member of the House of Representatives, Dr. Francis Agbo Ottah, urged the grieving families to find strength in the face of tragedy.
While condoling with victims, he appealed for calm and resilience, assuring that their loss would not be forgotten.
Shortly after the burial rites, mourners proceeded to the Oche K’Akpa Palace, where the wailing and lamentations continued as the community struggled to grapple with the tragic events.
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