By Juliet Ezeh
Hundreds of residents from communities in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State have raised alarm over a growing humanitarian crisis following repeated attacks by suspected armed herders, which have forced many families to abandon their homes.
The residents, including youths and internally displaced persons, staged a protest along the Oweto–Otukpo highway near the Oweto Bridge to call attention to their plight and demand urgent security intervention from authorities.
The demonstration was organised under the platform of the Agatu West Peace and Unity Forum, with protesters blocking sections of the busy road for several hours to highlight what they described as years of neglect and insecurity affecting their communities.
Hundreds Living in Makeshift Shelters
According to leaders of the group, many displaced residents have been living in temporary shelters along the banks of the Oweto River after fleeing their villages due to persistent attacks.
The National Youth President of the forum, Ebi Lucky, said the security situation had remained dire for more than two years, leaving families without access to food, healthcare, education, or stable housing.
He explained that the protest was aimed at drawing the attention of the Federal Government led by Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the worsening humanitarian conditions in Agatu communities.
Lucky also expressed frustration over what he described as insufficient response from the administration of Hyacinth Alia and local authorities in addressing the security challenges facing residents.
Residents Seek Urgent Government Intervention
The protesters called on the Federal Government to deploy more security personnel to vulnerable communities and secure areas they described as major entry points used by attackers.
They also appealed to federal lawmakers representing the area, including Ojema Ojotu, member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, and Patrick Abba Moro, senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, to take urgent steps to address the crisis.
Residents said restoring security would allow displaced farmers to return to their homes and resume agricultural activities, which remain the primary source of livelihood in the area.
Victims Recount Years of Attacks
One of the displaced residents, Mrs. Mercy Danladi, narrated how her family lost several members during separate attacks in Ochelefu village over the years.
She urged authorities to prioritise the safety of residents and ensure that those displaced by violence could return safely to their communities.
Another victim, Ajumi John, revealed that more than 200 internally displaced persons were currently living in makeshift huts near the riverbank after their villages were overrun.
Police Commend Peaceful Protest
The Divisional Police Officer of Agatu Division, Dennis Asawa, who monitored security during the protest, commended the demonstrators for conducting the exercise peacefully.
According to him, the protesters had successfully communicated their grievances, and relevant authorities had been informed.
Leaders of the Agatu West Peace and Unity Forum, including the National Secretary, Dandy Adoba, maintained that several villages in the area had been affected by repeated attacks since 2013, leading to significant loss of lives and displacement.
They warned that without urgent security intervention, the humanitarian situation in Agatu communities could continue to worsen.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.