AGATU YOUTHS BLOCK OWETO-OTUKPO ROAD, DEMAND URGENT GOVERNMENT ACTION ON KILLINGS IN BENUE. (PHOTO).

 AGATU YOUTHS BLOCK OWETO-OTUKPO ROAD, DEMAND URGENT GOVERNMENT ACTION ON KILLINGS IN BENUE 

Hundreds of youths from Agatu Local Government Area in Benue State blocked the Oweto–Otukpo highway on Saturday, protesting persistent attacks on residents by suspected armed herders. The demonstration, organized by the Agatu West Peace and Unity Forum, highlighted growing insecurity in the area and demanded urgent intervention from both the Federal and State governments.

The protest began Friday and continued into Saturday, causing traffic disruptions along the Oweto Bridge. Agatu, predominantly an Idoma community, relies on farming and fishing, but decades of militia attacks have left many villages deserted. Over 15 communities have reportedly been overrun since 2013, with hundreds of residents killed or displaced.

Protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as “Stop Agatu killings now” and “We do not need Fulani in Agatu.” Mr. Ebi Lucky, National Youth President of the Agatu West Peace and Unity Forum, said many families have been living along the Oweto River without shelter, food, education, or healthcare.

“Many of our people have been displaced for over two and a half years. All we want is peace and the ability to return to our farms,” Lucky said.

Displaced residents shared harrowing accounts of loss. Mrs. Mercy Danladi recounted losing close family members in attacks spanning 2013 to 2025, while Ajumi John described over 200 internally displaced persons living in makeshift huts along the riverbank.

CSP Dennis Asawa, Divisional Police Officer of Agatu, commended the orderly conduct of the protest. Dandy Adoba, National Secretary of the Forum, urged the Federal Government to deploy security forces to enable safe return of displaced families.