Agatu Local Government Chairman Melvin Ejeh has declared that the area has been reclaimed from armed herders who previously controlled several communities. Speaking in an exclusive interview, Ejeh said that when he assumed office on October 7, 2024, the security situation was dire, with no fewer than 15 communities under the direct control of the herders. These included Iguma, Akele, Ejima I, Ejima II, Ikpele I and Ikpele II, where the attackers lived, grazed their cattle, hoisted flags, chased residents away, destroyed homes and occupied ancestral lands.
Ejeh explained that his administration prioritised restoring security before embarking on infrastructure development, noting that schools, hospitals and other public facilities had been destroyed during the attacks. “We couldn’t begin with building schools when people couldn’t even return to their communities. Our first priority was to establish a robust security architecture, reclaim our land and restore normal life,” he said. He attributed the gains to close collaboration between the local government, security agencies and the Benue State Government, and specifically praised Governor Hyacinth Alia for providing critical support, including logistics, operational assistance and the supply of 60 motorcycles to improve response times during emergencies. “Without Governor Alia’s support, we couldn’t have achieved half of what we have accomplished. He empowered us to reclaim our communities and improve security,” Ejeh stated.
According to the chairman, many displaced residents have now returned to their communities and resumed farming, though those whose homes were destroyed are still in the process of rebuilding. He expressed confidence that the renewed security architecture, which includes strengthened operations, deployed technology and improved response times, would prevent communities from being overrun again. Ejeh insisted that the attacks on Agatu were driven by what he described as a criminal agenda to displace indigenous communities and seize their ancestral lands, adding that security operations would continue until every part of the local government remains safe for residents to live, farm and conduct their businesses without fear.
