‘We’ve reclaimed Agatu LG from armed herders’ — Melvin Ejeh

The Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, Hon. Melvin Ejeh, has declared that his administration has successfully reclaimed communities previously occupied by armed herders, restoring peace and enabling displaced residents to return to their homes.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Idoma Voice, Ejeh said the security situation he inherited upon assuming office on October 7, 2024, was dire, with no fewer than 15 communities under the control of armed herders.

According to him, communities including Iguma, Akele, Ejima I, Ejima II, Ikpele I and Ikpele II had been overrun, forcing residents to flee while the attackers occupied their ancestral lands.

“When I took over, about 15 communities were under the direct control of the herders. They lived there, grazed their cattle there, stayed there and even hoisted their flags. They chased our people away, destroyed homes and occupied the land,” he said.

Ejeh said his administration prioritised restoring security before embarking on infrastructure development, explaining 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.

The council chairman disclosed that many displaced residents have now returned to their communities and resumed farming, noting that only those whose homes were destroyed are yet to fully relocate.

“The people are back home. They are farming again. Those who have not fully returned are rebuilding their houses, but they still go to their farms every day,” he added.

Ejeh attributed the security gains to close collaboration between the local government, security agencies and the Benue State Government.

He praised Governor Hyacinth Alia for providing critical support, including logistics and operational assistance that strengthened security operations in the area.

“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,” he said.

The chairman also disclosed that the state government supplied 60 motorcycles to security agencies operating in Agatu to improve response time during emergencies.

He further revealed that Agatu now works closely with neighbouring Apa and Gwer West local government areas through joint security operations and intelligence sharing to prevent attacks across their shared boundaries.

Ejeh expressed confidence that the renewed security architecture would prevent communities from being overrun again.

“By the grace of God, no community will ever be overrun again under my watch. We have strengthened security, deployed technology and improved response time,” he stated.

The chairman also 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.

He maintained that security operations would continue until every part of Agatu remained safe for residents to live, farm and conduct their businesses without fear.