‘Those sent to protect us have failed’ – Agatu youths accuse police of betrayal amid herdsmen attacks

As attacks by Fulani herdsmen continue to ravage Agatu Local Government Area, local youths have raised alarm over alleged betrayal by security agencies, accusing police of targeting victims instead of perpetrators.

In a petition addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Benue State, the youths said, “We are being arrested for speaking the truth”, highlighting the arbitrary detention of community members who dared to speak against the attacks.

Eyewitnesses say that on January 25, 2026, security personnel raided Obagaji town, arresting several young men and taking them to unknown destinations, sparking fear and outrage among residents.

The youths alleged a growing collusion between some security officers and the herdsmen, stating that law enforcement has failed to protect lives and properties over the years. “They took our youths to unknown destinations,” the petition read, adding that those responsible for protecting Agatu have instead left the community vulnerable.

The petition reads below:

PETITION FOR INTERVENTION IN AGATU LOCAL GOVERNMENT: CESSATION OF ARBITRARY ARRESTS AND PROTECTION OF LIVES AND PROPERTIES

We, the entire Agatu Youth, bring to your attention the dire security situation in Agatu Local Government Area, which has been plagued by unprovoked attacks from Fulani herdsmen since 2013. These attacks have resulted in loss of lives, destruction of properties, and wanton devastation of farmlands.

The persistent nature of these attacks, unchecked by authorities, has emboldened the perpetrators. This raises suspicion of a possible collusion between the herdsmen and some enemies within, or individuals in positions of authority unknown to us, which needs urgent investigation and clarification.

Our people have endured years of pain, suffering, and economic hardship, with no respite in sight. The situation worsens when those brutalized by the herdsmen dare to speak out, only to be arrested, charged, and sometimes never seen again.

As if this were not enough, security personnel raided our hometown of Obagaji yesterday, January 25, 2026, arresting individuals who dared question the herdsmen’s brutality or possibly for reasons best known to them. These arrests were carried out in secrecy, with the arrestees being taken to unknown destinations.

We therefore demand the immediate and unconditional release of these arrested youths, unharmed. We will no longer tolerate this cycle of violence, impunity, and injustice in our ancestral land.

Furthermore, we demand accountability from every commandant of all security agents and outfits within Agatu, said to have been brought for protection of lives and properties. We have reasons to suspect a conspiracy and alleged alliance between them and the enemies intruding in our land, which has intentionally pinned our people down through arbitrary arrests—instilling fear in residents from going out to protect themselves while the perpetrators are allowed to ravage our land without resistance.

In light of this, we seek your approval or possible referral for the establishment of our own Agatu internal security network, to be trained and empowered to protect our people. This is necessary due to the loss of confidence in the existing security apparatus within Agatu.

We urge you to take immediate action to:

1. Protect the lives and properties of Agatu residents.

2. Investigate and bring to justice the perpetrators of these heinous crimes.

3. Ensure accountability for those found complicit in these atrocities.

Time is of the essence. We await your prompt response and action.

CC:

• HRM Agabaidu Dr. Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John CON, Och’Idoma and Paramount Ruler of Idoma Kingdom

• Comrade Abbah Moro, Senator of the National Assembly (Zone C)

• Hon. Pst. Ojotu Ojema, Federal House of Representatives (Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency)

• Hon. Godwin Abuh, Edor State House of Assembly (Agatu Constituency)

• Hon. Melvin James Ejeh, Executive Chairman Agatu LGC

• HRH Chief Dr. Godwin Ngbede Onah, Ad’Agatu

• Divisional Police Officer, Agatu Local Government Council (Agatu Divisional Police)

Thank you.