Benue Community orders Fulani Herders to vacate Farmlands within 48 Hours

The Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area in Benue State, James Melvin Ejeh, has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Fulani herders to vacate all farmlands within the area.

The directive was announced during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Saturday, 26 April 2025, at the council secretariat in Obagaji.

The meeting brought together traditional rulers, Fulani community leaders, youth representatives, and security officials to address mounting concerns over the activities of herders on agricultural lands as the planting season approaches.

Obochi Solomon, Chief Press Secretary to the Agatu LGA Chairman, revealed that Mr Ejeh emphasised the importance of protecting farming activities in Agatu, noting that agriculture remains the backbone of the local economy. He insisted that farmers must enjoy unhindered and secure access to their lands.

While acknowledging the prevailing peace in the area, Mr Ejeh underscored that ensuring uninterrupted farming operations would be treated as a top priority. “Our farmers must cultivate without disruption. We will take all necessary steps to create a safe environment for them,” he declared.

According to the statement, the leader of the Fulani community, referred to as the Ado of the Fulani, requested a one-week grace period to enable herders to arrange their relocation, a plea the council agreed to accommodate.

Speaking on behalf of the youth, the General Youth Chairman of Agatu LGA, Mr Oloche Silas, pledged full support for a peaceful evacuation process and assured that no acts of violence would be tolerated.

Security agencies, including representatives from the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), commended the peaceful nature of the meeting and pledged their commitment to ensuring the safe and orderly relocation of the herders.

Also addressing the gathering, Chief John Agidani, who represented the Och’Agatu, lauded the Council Chairman’s leadership and appealed to all parties to uphold the agreements reached during the deliberations.