Arrest of leaders: Agatu residents demand answers from military

Residents of Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State are demanding reasons from military authorities over the arrest of their leaders.

They said are in shock that despite killing and displacement of thousands of people from the community by Fulani herdsmen, the Nigerian military went ahead to arrest their leaders without offering explanations.

The recent attacks by Fulani herdsmen left several communities in Agatu LGA in shock and despair.

The residents have been demanding action from the government to protect their lives and properties, all to no avail, as the attacks continue unabated.

Protesting the continued detention of their leaders on Wednesday, spokesperson of the concerned citizens of Agatu, Leonard Apia, said their leaders were arrested on April 28, 2025, in the middle of the night without any trace.

They said the only reason they could abduced for their arrest is for standing up for their communities.

“Those arrested are Mr Abu Idakwo, arrested from Oleginaigwu community, and Mr Echoda Ajene, the Youth leader of Ogbangede community,” Apia said.

“Till date, nobody knows their offences. Searches at the Agatu Police Division, Obagaji, DSS, and Air Force Base at Agatu proved negative,” Apia lamented, adding that “It took about four days for us to know that the persons arrested are detained in the military facility at 72 Battalion, Makurdi”.

The protesters are questioning the motives behind the arrest and detention, while the Fulani herdsmen continue to attack and kill their people without consequences.

“Our people are killed in dozens almost on daily basis without security agencies arresting any of the assailants, but you see our people who have been the victims of this failed state are hounded and arrested for only complaining against the attacks,” Apia said

“Since 28 April, till date, they are still in detention without presenting them before any court of law for committing any offence. Worse still they have been denied access to family members and lawyers.”

The residents are calling for the immediate releasel and an end to the attacks by Fulani herdsmen.

They are also seeking answers to several questions, including who ordered their arrest, what their offences are, and why there is silence from the Agatu LG council.

“Our questions are who ordered their arrest? What are their offences? Which of the security agencies effected their arrest? Where are they detained till now? Why is there silence from the Agatu LG council?”

The military is yet to speak on the issue.