Chairman of Agatu Local Council of Benue State, James Ejeh, has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Fulani herdsmen to vacate all farmlands in the area.
Meanwhile, The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) raised alarm over escalating violence, banditry, and kidnappings in Kaduna and Plateau states, revealing it had paid over ₦300 million in ransom.
Ejeh issued the directive during a stakeholders’ meeting on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the council secretariat in Obagaji. Traditional rulers, Fulani leaders, youth representatives, and security officials gathered to discuss concerns over herders’ activities as the planting season approaches.
Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Obochi Solomon, stated that protecting farming activities in Agatu was paramount, given agriculture’s critical role in the local economy.
“Our farmers must cultivate without disruption. We will do everything necessary to create a safe environment for them,” Ejeh said.
During the meeting, the Ado of the Fulani requested a one-week grace period for relocation, which was granted. The General Youth Chairman of Agatu, Oloche Silas, pledged that the youth would support the peaceful evacuation process and avoid violence.
State security officials commended the peaceful handling of the matter, promising support during the relocation. Chief John Agidani, representing the Och’Agatu, praised the Chairman’s leadership and urged all parties to honor the agreement.
At a separate press conference in Jos, ECWA’s General Secretary, Rev Ayuba Asheshe, decried the worsening security situation. He revealed that despite spending over ₦300 million in ransom payments, more than 50 members remained in captivity.
“In Kaduna State, the Kwa Sam DCC in Kauru Local Council has faced relentless attacks, leading to over 20 deaths and over 100 abductions, including church members,” Asheshe said.
He also cited recent violence in Plateau, where over 40 people, including two pastors, were killed in Hurti Village, Bokkos Local Council, and 240 houses were burned. Similarly, more than 50 people were murdered in Zike and Kimakpa communities of Bassa LGA on April 14.
Asheshe described the violence as a systematic campaign against predominantly Christian communities and urged urgent government intervention to end the crisis and protect vulnerable groups.
