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Plateau Residents Protest, Demand Removal of Herdsmen Ahead of Farming Season

Plateau Residents Protest, Demand Removal of Herdsmen Ahead of Farming Season

Residents of Agatu Local Government Area in Benue State on Monday staged a protest in Obagaji, the council headquarters, calling for the removal of Fulani herdsmen from their communities as the farming season approaches.

The demonstrators, who marched to the local government secretariat, carried placards and chanted slogans, including “Fulani must go,” to register their grievances over what they described as persistent insecurity in the area.

According to the protesters, the onset of the rainy season necessitates the commencement of planting activities. They expressed fears that the continued presence of herders and their cattle could result in the destruction of crops and trigger renewed clashes.

An eyewitness who spoke during the protest attributed the demonstration to ongoing security challenges linked to herdsmen activities.

“The protest is currently ongoing in Obagaji due to the persistent herdsmen crisis. They keep attacking and killing our people with sophisticated weapons. We can no longer access our farms or carry out farming activities,” the resident said.

He added that the community remains resolute despite the challenges. “We will continue to stand strong because this is our land,” he said.

The protesters maintained that herders must vacate farmlands to ensure a peaceful and productive farming season.

Reacting to the development, the Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Melvin Ejeh, confirmed that he had engaged with the protesting youths and community elders.

“I have spoken with the protesters and also met with the elders. Measures will be taken to address the situation,” he said.

Ejeh, however, declined to disclose specific security strategies, noting that such matters are sensitive.

“Security issues and actions are not things to be discussed in the public,” he added.

He reassured residents of ongoing efforts to maintain peace, stating that incidents of herders’ attacks in the area had reduced and that authorities would continue to work towards preventing any escalation of violence.