Hundreds of youths from Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State on Saturday blocked the Oweto–Otukpo highway near the Oweto Bridge to protest the continued killings of residents by suspected armed herders.
The demonstrators, who operated under the banner of the Agatu West Peace and Unity Forum, began the protest on Friday and maintained the blockade for several hours. Their action caused heavy traffic congestion on the busy route and drew public attention to the worsening security situation in communities across the area.
Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Stop Agatu killings now,” “Save Agatu now,” and “We do not need Fulani in Agatu,” the protesters called on both the Federal Government and the Benue State Government to take urgent steps to restore peace and security in the troubled communities.
Addressing the protesters, the National Youth President of the Agatu West Peace and Unity Forum, Mr. Ebi Lucky, said repeated attacks by suspected Fulani militias had forced many residents to flee their ancestral homes.
He said a large number of displaced persons have been living in temporary shelters along the banks of the Oweto River for over two years.
“Our people have been in this situation for the past two and a half years. Many have left their ancestral homes and are now living here without shelter, food, schools or medical care,” he said.
Lucky explained that the protest was organised to draw the attention of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the plight of displaced residents and the persistent attacks on communities in Agatu West.
He also criticised the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, and the Agatu Local Government Chairman, Hon. Melvin Ejeh, accusing them of neglecting affected communities.
“We have cried to the local government chairman and the state governor, but nobody has come to our aid. All we are demanding is peace in Agatu land and the opportunity to return to our farms,” he added.
The protesters further appealed to the member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Ojema Ojotu, and the senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, Patrick Aba Moro, to take decisive steps to address the plight of their constituents.
Agatu, located in southern Benue and predominantly inhabited by the Idoma people, depends largely on farming and fishing for livelihood.
One of the victims, Mrs. Mercy Danladi, recounted how her husband, sister and cousin were killed in separate attacks on Ochelefu village between 2013 and 2025. She urged the Federal Government to urgently provide security to enable displaced residents return to their homes and farmlands.
Another displaced resident, Ajumi John, disclosed that more than 200 internally displaced persons are currently living in makeshift huts near the riverbank.
“Our community has been taken over by the militia. When it rains, we cover the roofs of our huts made of sticks and grass with leather,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Divisional Police Officer of Agatu Division, CSP Dennis Asawa, who monitored security during the protest, commended the demonstrators for maintaining peace.
“I appreciate the protesters for organising themselves peacefully. Their message has been conveyed to the authorities, and appropriate actions will be taken,” he said.
Also speaking, the National Secretary of the Agatu West Peace and Unity Forum, Mr. Dandy Adoba, alleged that more than 15 villages in Agatu West have been overrun by armed herders since 2013, with hundreds of residents reportedly killed in the attacks.
