Agatu youths block Oweto–Otukpo highway, protest persistent killings in Benue
Agatu Residents Protest Along Oweto-Otukpo Highway Demanding Action Against Armed Attacks
Agatu, Benue State — Hundreds of young people from Agatu Local Government Area held a protest Saturday along the Oweto-Otukpo highway, blocking traffic near the Oweto Bridge. The demonstrators, part of the Agatu West Peace and Unity Forum, are calling for decisive action in response to ongoing violence against residents by suspected armed herders.
The protest began on Friday and continued for several hours, resulting in significant traffic congestion on the busy route. Protesters used placards with messages such as “Stop Agatu killings now” and “We do not need Fulani in Agatu” to voice their concerns about the deteriorating security situation in their communities.
Ebi Lucky, National Youth President of the Agatu West Peace and Unity Forum, addressed the crowd, stating that repeated attacks by suspected Fulani militias have forced many residents to flee their ancestral homes. He reported that countless displaced individuals have been living in temporary shelters along the banks of the Oweto River for over two years.
“Our people have been in this trouble for the past two and a half years,” Lucky said. “Many have left their homes and are now living without shelter, food, schools, or medical care.” He emphasized that the demonstration aimed to draw the attention of the Federal Government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to the hardships faced by displaced residents in Agatu West.
Lucky criticized the administration of Hyacinth Alia and Agatu Local Government chairman Hon. Melvin Ejeh for allegedly neglecting the affected communities. “We have cried to the local government chairman and the state governor, but nobody has come to our aid,” he said. “All we are demanding is peace in Agatu land and the opportunity to return to our farms.”
Protesters also appealed to local representatives, urging Ojema Ojotu, who represents Apa/Agatu in the House of Representatives, and Senator Patrick Aba Moro, to take meaningful steps to address the plight of their constituents. They called for increased security personnel to be deployed to vulnerable areas frequently targeted by attackers.
Agatu, located in southern Benue and predominantly inhabited by the Idoma people, relies heavily on farming and fishing for its livelihood. Displaced residents shared personal stories of loss. Mercy Danladi described the heartbreaking deaths of her husband, sister, and cousin during various attacks in Ochelefu village between 2013 and 2025. She called for urgent government intervention to ensure the safe return of displaced individuals to their homes and farmlands.
Another displaced resident, Ajumi John, noted that more than 200 internally displaced persons are currently residing in makeshift huts near the riverbank. “Our community has been taken over by the militia. We have nowhere to go,” he shared. “When it rains, we cover the roofs of our huts made of sticks and grass with leather.”
The protesters indicated they would continue their demonstration until authorities take decisive actions to end the killings and facilitate the return of displaced residents. Meanwhile, CSP Dennis Asawa, Divisional Police Officer of the Agatu Division, acknowledged the peaceful nature of the protest. “I appreciate the protesters for organizing themselves in a peaceful manner. Their message has been conveyed to the authorities, and appropriate actions will be taken,” he said.
Dandy Adoba, National Secretary of the Agatu West Peace and Unity Forum, reported that more than 15 villages in Agatu West have been overrun by armed herders since 2013, resulting in hundreds of casualties. He called on the Federal Government to deploy additional security personnel to ensure the safety of the community.
“Our people are dying almost daily,” Adoba stated, reinforcing the urgent need for increased security measures. “We are appealing to the Federal Government to deploy security personnel so that our people can return home.”
