You have 48 hours to vacate our community -Benue LG chair warns Fulani herdsmen

A showdown is imminent in Benue as James Melvin Ejeh, the Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area of the state,  has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Fulani herdsmen to vacate all farmlands in the area .

Ejeh issued the directive during a stakeholders’ meeting at the council secretariat in Obagaji on Saturday.

Traditional rulers, Fulani community leaders, youth representatives, and security officials attended the meeting to deliberate on the rising concerns over the activities of herders on farmlands.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Agatu LGA Chairman, Obochi Solomon, said in a statement that the council  boss’ decision was informed  by

 the need to protect farming activities in Agatu ahead of the critical planting season.

According to him, agriculture is the backbone of the local economy, insisting that farmers must be able to access their lands without fear or obstruction.

“Our farmers must cultivate without disruption. We will do everything necessary to create a safe environment for them,” the statement partly read.

Furthermore, it disclosed the Ado of the Fulani requested a one-week grace period to enable the herders to prepare for relocation, adding that council granted the request.

Solomon added that Oloche Silas,

the General Youth Chairman of Agatu LGA, promised on behalf of  youths in tge area to support the peaceful evacuation process and to refrain from any form of violence.

Chief John Agidani, who represented the Och’Agatu, commended the Council Chairman’s leadership and urged all parties to honor the agreement.

Security officials, including representatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services, DSS, reportedly lauded the peaceful manner in which the matter was handled, and pledged to provide necessary support during the relocation.