The Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Fulani herdsmen to vacate farmlands, aiming to protect the upcoming planting season and prevent clashes between farmers and pastoralists. Chairman James Melvin Ejeh announced the directive during a stakeholders’ meeting on April 26, attended by traditional rulers, Fulani leaders, youth representatives, and security officials. The decision underscores the region’s reliance on agriculture, which remains the backbone of its economy.
Following appeals from Fulani leaders, the deadline was extended to one week to allow for orderly relocation of livestock. Agatu youth groups pledged to maintain peace during the evacuation, while security agencies, including the police and Department of State Services (DSS), vowed to enforce compliance and prevent violence. Chairman Ejeh emphasized the need for farmers to cultivate their lands without obstruction, stating, “We will do everything necessary to create a safe environment for our farmers.”
The meeting saw strong support from traditional leaders, including Chief John Agidani, representing the Och’Agatu (paramount traditional ruler), who praised the chairman’s proactive approach. Mr. Oloche Silas, Agatu’s General Youth Chairman, assured full cooperation from youths, urging adherence to the revised timeline. Security officials warned against vigilantism, stressing the importance of dialogue and lawful enforcement.
This move follows rising tensions over herders’ encroachment on farmlands, a recurring issue in Agatu, which has faced devastating clashes in the past, including the 2016 massacres that displaced thousands. The ultimatum reflects ongoing efforts to balance agricultural needs with pastoralist rights in Benue, where the Open Grazing Prohibition Law (2017) remains a contentious policy.