Agatu LG chairman raises alarm as US airstrikes push gunmen from Sokoto into Idoma land

The Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area in Benue State, James Melvin Ejeh, has raised the alarm over what he described as a dangerous influx of armed elements into Idoma land following recent joint United States–Nigeria military airstrikes in Sokoto State.

Ejeh said the counterterrorism operations, carried out in December against terrorist enclaves in the Sokoto axis, have triggered a spillover effect, forcing fleeing gunmen to disperse across state borders, with Agatu communities now bearing the brunt of the fallout.

According to him, intelligence reports and local accounts indicate that the dislodged fighters have infiltrated rural settlements in Agatu, unleashing a renewed wave of violent attacks that threaten lives, farmlands and livelihoods.

“Agatu Local Government Area is presently experiencing a renewed wave of violent attacks, which we firmly believe is a fallout of recent military airstrikes in the Sokoto axis,” Ejeh said, according to Daily Trust.

“These armed elements, fleeing from neighbouring areas, have reportedly infiltrated Agatu communities and unleashed unprecedented terror on innocent and defenceless residents,” he added.

In response to the deteriorating security situation, the council chairman announced decisive administrative measures, including the immediate revocation of a 2017 grazing agreement that granted herdsmen access to Adepati Island.

“In view of the persistent violations and escalating violence, I hereby announce the immediate revocation of the 2017 agreement that granted herdsmen access to Adepati Island for grazing,” Ejeh declared.

He accused previous administrations of compromising the safety of Agatu communities under the guise of peacebuilding, insisting that the agreement was neither entered into nor implemented in good faith.

“That agreement, entered into by the then administration of Agatu Local Government Council, was done under the pretext of promoting peaceful coexistence, but at the expense of the Agatu people,” he said.

Ejeh noted that the security implications of the arrangement had become untenable, stressing that its continued existence posed a grave threat to the area.

“The negative consequences of that action have been enormous. Consequently, I hereby declare the agreement null and void and of no effect whatsoever,” he stated.

He further ordered all armed herders to vacate Agatu land with immediate effect, making it clear that no portion of the local government area belongs to herders under any guise.

“Furthermore, all armed herders are hereby ordered to vacate Agatu land with immediate effect. Let it be clearly stated that no portion of the Agatu land belongs to herders,” he said.

The council chairman disclosed that security agencies have begun clampdowns and investigations following the incursion, adding that arrests have already been made.

“Security agencies have already arrested some relevant suspects and are currently investigating them. No individual found aiding or abetting insecurity in Agatu will be shielded or granted undue leniency,” Ejeh warned.

He maintained that the position of the Agatu people is clear, insisting that no herder is welcome on Agatu land at this time.

“Any future engagement, if considered, will only occur after extensive consultation with the Agatu Traditional Council and other critical stakeholders, and strictly through lawful and official channels,” he added.