Just like in Muri, Taraba State, LG in Benue gives Fulani herdsmen ultimatum to leave community

In a rare display of courage, the chairman of Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, James Melvin Ejeh, has given Fulani herdsmen an ultimatum to vacate all farmlands within the next 48 hours.

The directive was issued by Ejeh during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the council secretariat in Obagaji.

Recall also that Emir of Muri in Taraba state had last week issued a 30-day ultimatum for Fulani herdsmen to leave the town.

Emir Abbas Tafida, in a strongly-worded video message, expressed his frustration over ongoing kidnappings allegedly linked to some Fulani groups.

He stated: “If you truly follow Islam like we do, why then are you kidnapping fellow Muslims?”

He went on to declare, “We are giving the Fulani herdsmen 30 days to leave Taraba State. If they fail to comply, we will track them down one by one and deal with them. They have been abducting our people repeatedly—this must stop.”

He also questioned why the southern regions have been more tolerant of the same groups, saying, “If people in the North can ask them to leave, why are Southerners treating them with leniency?”

Meanwhile, the meeting in Agatu brought together traditional rulers, Fulani community leaders, youth representatives, and security officials to address growing concerns over herders’ activities on farmland as the planting season approaches.

Obochi Solomon, the Chief Press Secretary to the Agatu LGA Chairman, quoted Ejeh as emphasising the need to protect farming activities in Agatu ahead of the critical planting season.

He noted that agriculture is the backbone of the local economy and that farmers must be able to access their lands without fear or obstruction.

Ejeh, through the statement, commended the relative peace currently enjoyed in the area but stressed that ensuring uninterrupted farming activities was a top priority.

“Our farmers must cultivate without disruption. We will do everything necessary to create a safe environment for them,” he said.

The statement further revealed that during the meeting, the Ado of the Fulani requested a one-week grace period to enable the herders to prepare for relocation, a request that was granted by the council.

The CPS added that the General Youth Chairman of Agatu LGA, Mr Oloche Silas, pledged on behalf of Agatu youths to support the peaceful evacuation process and to refrain from any form of violence.

Security officials, including representatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services, DSS, were quoted as commending the peaceful manner in which the matter was handled, pledging to provide necessary support during the relocation.

Also speaking at the meeting, according to the statement, was Chief John Agidani, who represented the Och’Agatu.

He applauded the Council Chairman’s leadership and urged all parties to honor the agreement.