Agatu Youths Block Highway in Protest Over Persistent KiIIings

Hundreds of youths from Agatu Local Government Area on Saturday staged a protest along the Oweto–Otukpo highway, blocking the road near Oweto Bridge to demand urgent action over the continued killing of residents by suspected armed herders.

The demonstrators, operating under the banner of the Agatu West Peace and Unity Forum, began the protest on Friday and maintained the blockade for several hours, causing heavy traffic congestion on the busy route and drawing attention to the worsening security situation in their communities.

Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Stop Agatu killings now,” “Save Agatu now,” and “We do not need Fulani in Agatu,” the protesters called on the Federal Government and the Benue State Government to urgently intervene and restore peace in the troubled area.

Addressing the protesters, the National Youth President of the forum, Ebi Lucky, said repeated attacks by suspected Fulani militias had forced many residents to flee their ancestral homes.

According to him, a large number of displaced persons have been living in temporary shelters along the banks of the Oweto River for over two years.

“Our people have been facing this crisis for more than two and a half years. Many have left their homes and now live here without proper shelter, food, schools or medical care,” he said.

Lucky explained that the protest was organised to draw the attention of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the plight of displaced residents and the persistent attacks on communities in Agatu West.

He also criticised the administration of Hyacinth Alia and the Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Melvin Ejeh, accusing them of neglecting the affected communities.

“We have cried to the local government chairman and the state governor, but no one has come to our aid. All we want is peace in Agatu land and the opportunity to return to our farms,” he said.

The protesters also appealed to the member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency, Ojema Ojotu, and the senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, Patrick Aba Moro, urging them to take concrete steps to address the suffering of their constituents.

They further called on the Federal Government to deploy more security personnel to vulnerable communities, particularly areas they described as porous entry points frequently used by attackers.

Agatu, located in southern Benue and largely inhabited by the Idoma people, depends heavily on farming and fishing as its primary means of livelihood.

One of the victims, Mercy Danladi, recounted how her husband, sister and cousin were killed in separate attacks on Ochelefu village between 2013 and 2025. She appealed to the Federal Government to provide adequate security to enable displaced residents return to their homes and farmlands.

Another displaced resident, Ajumi John, said more than 200 internally displaced persons are currently living in makeshift huts along the riverbank.

“Our community has been taken over by the militia. We have nowhere to go. When it rains, we cover the roofs of our huts made of sticks and grass with leather,” he said.

The protesters vowed to continue their demonstration until authorities take concrete steps to end the attacks and facilitate the safe return of displaced residents.

Meanwhile, the Divisional Police Officer of the Agatu Division, Dennis Asawa, who monitored the protest, commended the demonstrators for conducting themselves peacefully.

“I appreciate the protesters for organising themselves in a peaceful manner. Their message has been conveyed to the authorities, and appropriate actions will be taken,” he said.

Also speaking, the National Secretary of the forum, Dandy Adoba, alleged that more than 15 villages in Agatu West have been overrun by armed herders since 2013.

He added that hundreds of residents had lost their lives in the attacks, stressing that security forces stationed nearby had yet to be deployed to the worst-hit communities.

“Our people are dying almost on a daily basis. We appeal to the Federal Government to deploy security personnel so that our people can return home,” he said.