Hundreds of youths from Agatu Local Government Area in Benue State staged a protest on Saturday, blocking the Oweto–Otukpo highway near Oweto Bridge to demand urgent action over continued killings allegedly carried out by suspected armed herders.
The demonstrators, operating under the banner of the Agatu West Peace and Unity Forum, began the protest on Friday and maintained the blockade for several hours, causing heavy traffic congestion along the busy route.
Protesters carried placards with messages such as “Stop Agatu killings now,” “Save Agatu now,” and “We do not need Fulani in Agatu,” urging both the Federal Government and the Benue State government to intervene and restore peace in the area.
Addressing the crowd, the National Youth President of the forum, Ebi Lucky, said repeated attacks by suspected militias had forced many residents to abandon their homes.
He said many displaced residents have been living in temporary shelters along the banks of the Oweto River for more than two years.
“Our people have been in this trouble for the past two and a half years. Many have left their ancestral homes and are now living here without shelter, food, schools or medical care,” he said.
Lucky explained that the protest was organised to draw the attention of the Federal Government led by Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the suffering of displaced residents and the continued attacks in communities across Agatu West.
He also criticised the administration of Hyacinth Alia and the Agatu Local Government chairman, Melvin Ejeh, accusing them of neglecting affected communities.
The protesters further appealed to the member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Ojema Ojotu, and the senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, Patrick Aba Moro, urging them to take concrete steps to address the situation.
One displaced resident, Mercy Danladi, recounted losing her husband, sister and cousin in separate attacks on Ochelefu village between 2013 and 2025.
Another resident, Ajumi John, said more than 200 internally displaced persons are currently sheltering in makeshift huts near the riverbank after their community was taken over by armed groups.
Meanwhile, the Divisional Police Officer of Agatu Division, Dennis Asawa, who monitored the protest, commended the demonstrators for conducting the protest peacefully.
“I appreciate the protesters for organising themselves in a peaceful manner. Their message has been conveyed to the authorities, and appropriate actions will be taken,” he said.
Also speaking, the National Secretary of the forum, Dandy Adoba, claimed that more than 15 villages in Agatu West have been overrun by armed herders since 2013.
He said hundreds of residents had been killed in the attacks and appealed to the Federal Government to deploy more security personnel to enable displaced residents return safely to their homes and farmlands.
