Agatu community gives marching orders to herders

The demonstrators, carrying placards and chanting slogans, marched to the local government secretariat to register their grievances. They expressed concern that the onset of the rainy season requires them to begin planting, warning that the continued presence of herders and their cattle could result in crop destruction and potential clashes.

An eyewitness who spoke during the protest attributed the demonstration to ongoing insecurity in the area.

“The protest is ongoing in Obagaji due to the persistent herdsmen crisis. There have been repeated attacks, and people are afraid to return to their farms or carry out normal agricultural activities,” the resident said.

He added that the community remains determined despite the challenges, stressing their resolve to protect their land and livelihoods.

The protesters maintained that herders must vacate farmlands to allow for a peaceful and productive farming season.

Reacting to the development, the Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Melvin Ejeh, confirmed that he had engaged with protesting youths as well as community elders to address the situation.

“I have met with the youths and elders, and steps are being taken to resolve the issues,” he said, noting that details of security measures would not be disclosed publicly.

Ejeh assured residents that efforts are ongoing to sustain peace and prevent further unrest, adding that incidents of attacks in the area have recently declined.