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The Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State has taken a decisive step to address escalating insecurity by revoking a controversial 2017 grazing agreement and ordering the immediate evacuation of all armed herdsmen from its territory.
Announcing the decision on Thursday, January 8, 2026, the Council Chairman, Hon. Melvin James Ejeh, declared the 2017 agreement — which granted herdsmen access to graze on Adapati Island — null and void. The chairman stated that the pact was entered into without the consent of the people of Agatu and was promoted as a peace-building measure, but instead contributed to prolonged insecurity and loss of lives.
“The agreement was not implemented in good faith and has had serious implications for the safety and livelihoods of our people,” Hon. Ejeh said.
The chairman cited repeated attacks allegedly carried out by armed herdsmen, which have resulted in the killing of women and children, destruction of homes and farmlands, and the displacement of numerous residents. He described the situation as both a grave security challenge and a humanitarian crisis, noting that recent violence coincided with the influx of armed groups into Agatu communities following military operations in parts of northern Nigeria.
In a strong directive, Hon. Ejeh instructed security agencies to enforce the immediate evacuation of armed herdsmen from all portions of Agatu land, emphasizing that no part of the local government area belongs to herdsmen. He further appealed to the Federal Government to deploy additional security personnel to the area, arguing that current arrangements are inadequate to stem the tide of violence.
While commending the ongoing efforts of Operation Whirl Stroke, Operation Anyam Nyor, the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the chairman stressed the need for a stronger and more sustained security response in light of the recent influx of armed elements.
He disclosed that some suspects have already been arrested and are undergoing investigation, warning that anyone found aiding or abetting insecurity in the area would be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.
Hon. Ejeh urged residents of Agatu to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding as efforts to restore peace continue. He also commended Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for his unwavering commitment to peace and security across the state.
The revocation of the Adapati Island grazing agreement and the evacuation order mark a significant escalation in local efforts to confront the persistent herder-farmer conflicts that have plagued parts of Benue State for years. The development is expected to draw reactions from stakeholders, including herder associations, security agencies, and the state government, as the situation remains tense in the affected communities.
