Benue Council Chairman Raises Alarm Over Terrorists Allegedly Fleeing Sokoto Airstrikes Into Agatu Communities
The Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area in Benue State, James Melvin Ejeh, has raised serious concerns over what he described as a dangerous spillover effect from recent counterterrorism operations in northern Nigeria. According to him, terrorists displaced by coordinated United States and Nigerian military airstrikes in Sokoto State have allegedly begun relocating into communities within Agatu, exposing residents to fresh waves of violence and insecurity.
Ejeh’s alarm comes amid growing fears that intensified military pressure in one region is pushing armed groups to seek refuge in less fortified areas across state borders. Reports indicate that the airstrikes, carried out in December, targeted locations in Sokoto where terrorist groups were believed to be planning coordinated attacks. While the strikes were aimed at degrading insurgent capabilities, local leaders now warn that the fallout is being felt elsewhere.
Speaking on the situation, Ejeh said Agatu communities are currently experiencing renewed and coordinated attacks, which he strongly believes are linked to the displacement of armed elements from neighbouring states. He noted that rural settlements, largely made up of farming communities, are bearing the brunt of the violence.
“Agatu Local Government Area is presently experiencing a renewed wave of violent attacks, which we firmly believe is a fallout of recent military airstrikes in the Sokoto axis,” Ejeh said in remarks attributed to Daily Trust. “These armed elements, fleeing from neighbouring areas, have reportedly infiltrated Agatu communities and unleashed unprecedented terror on innocent and defenceless residents.”
According to the council chairman, the security situation has reached a critical point, forcing the local government to take decisive administrative and security-related actions to protect lives and property. One of the most significant steps announced was the revocation of a grazing agreement that had been in place since 2017, granting herdsmen access to Adepati Island within Agatu territory.
“In view of the persistent violations and escalating violence, I hereby announce the immediate revocation of the 2017 agreement that granted herdsmen access to Adepati Island for grazing,” Ejeh declared.
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He accused previous local government administrations of prioritising fragile peace arrangements over the long-term safety of indigenous communities. According to him, the agreement was presented as a peacebuilding initiative but ultimately exposed Agatu residents to sustained insecurity.
“That agreement, entered into by the then administration of Agatu Local Government Council, was never carried out in good faith. It was done under the guise of promoting peaceful coexistence, but at the expense of the Agatu people,” he said.
Ejeh added that the continued presence of armed herders and displaced fighters had made the agreement untenable, stressing that the local government could no longer ignore the security implications.
“The negative consequences of that action have been enormous. Consequently, I hereby declare the agreement null and void and of no effect whatsoever,” he stated. “Furthermore, all armed herders are hereby ordered to vacate Agatu land with immediate effect. Let it be clearly stated that no portion of the Agatu land belongs to herders under any guise.”
The council chairman also disclosed that law enforcement agencies have begun arrests and investigations linked to the recent violence, warning that anyone found collaborating with armed groups would face the full weight of the law.
“Security agencies have already arrested some relevant suspects and are currently investigating them. No individual found aiding or abetting insecurity in Agatu will be shielded or granted undue leniency,” he said.
Ejeh emphasized that the position of the Agatu people is clear and non-negotiable under the current circumstances. According to him, no herder or armed group is welcome on Agatu land until peace and security are fully restored.
“The position of the Agatu people is unequivocal: at this time, no herder is welcome on Agatu land. Any future engagement, if considered, will occur only after extensive consultation with the Agatu Traditional Council and other critical stakeholders, and will be conducted strictly through lawful and official channels,” he added.
The situation has sparked widespread reactions across the country, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the apparent lack of coordinated containment measures following major military operations. Analysts warn that without robust inter-state security coordination, displaced insurgents may continue to exploit porous borders and vulnerable rural communities.
As of the time of this report, federal security agencies are yet to issue an official response to the claims, even as residents of Agatu and surrounding areas remain on high alert.