A PRIEST IN ANAMBRA STATE WEDDED A COUPLE YESTERDAY, DESPITE DISPUTES WITH THE BRIDE’S FATHER. (PHOTOS).
9th January, 2026
The Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State has ordered all armed herdsmen operating within its territory to leave immediately, following renewed violence in several farming communities.
The Chairman of the council, Hon. Melvin James Ejeh, announced the decision on Thursday, declaring the revocation of the 2017 agreement that granted herdsmen grazing access to Adapati Island.
Ejeh said the order became necessary due to repeated attacks allegedly carried out by armed herdsmen, which have resulted in the killing of women and children, destruction of houses and farmlands, and the displacement of many residents.
He described the situation as a security and humanitarian concern, noting that the recent violence coincided with the movement of armed groups into Agatu communities after military operations in parts of northern Nigeria.
According to the council chairman, the 2017 agreement was entered into without the consent of the people of Agatu and was presented as a peace-building measure but instead contributed to prolonged insecurity.
“The agreement was not implemented in good faith and has had serious implications for the safety and livelihoods of our people,” Ejeh said.
He announced that the agreement had been revoked and declared null and void, stressing that no portion of Agatu land belonged to herdsmen.
The chairman directed security agencies to enforce the immediate evacuation of armed herdsmen from Agatu land and appealed to the Federal Government to deploy additional security personnel to the area, saying the existing arrangement was inadequate.
While commending the efforts of Operation Whirl Stroke, Operation Anyam Nyor, the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ejeh said the recent influx of armed elements required a stronger and sustained security response.
He disclosed that some suspects had been arrested and were currently undergoing investigation, adding that anyone found aiding or abetting insecurity in the area would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Ejeh urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding as efforts to restore peace continue.
He also commended Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for his commitment to peace and security in the state.
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