Fulani Herdmen Get 48-Hour Ultimatum to Vacate Benue Community

James Ejeh, the Chairman of Agatu Local Council in Benue State, has given a 48-hour notice to Fulani herdsmen to leave all farmlands within the vicinity.

The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) has raised the alarm over the increasing levels of violence, banditry and kidnappings in Kaduna and Plateau states. They are urgently calling on the Federal Government to intervene.

According to reports, a sum of over N300 million was paid as ransom in the two states.

During the stakeholders’ meeting on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the council secretariat in Obagaji, Ejeh issued the directive.

The gathering gathered traditional rulers, Fulani community leaders, youth representatives and security officials to discuss increasing worries regarding herders’ actions on farmland as the planting season nears.

According to Obochi Solomon, the Chief Press Secretary of the Chairman, it is crucial to safeguard farming operations in Agatu before the planting period.

He acknowledged the vital role of agriculture in the local economy and stressed the importance of farmers having unimpeded access to their lands.

Ejeh acknowledged the current state of relative peace in the area, but also emphasized the importance of ensuring unencumbered farming activities as a primary focus.

According to him, our farmers should be able to cultivate without any interruptions and we will take all the required measures to ensure their safety.

According to the statement, the Ado of the Fulani asked for a one-week extension during the meeting in order for the herders to get ready for their relocation. The council agreed to this request.

The CPS also mentioned that Oloche Silas, the Chairman of Agatu’s Youth Committee, assured their full cooperation in the peaceful evacuation and promised to avoid any acts of violence.

According to sources, the peaceful handling of the situation was praised by state security officials who also assured their assistance in the relocation process.

During the meeting, Chief John Agidani, representing the Och’Agatu, praised the Council Chairman’s effective leadership and called on all parties to uphold the agreement.

At a recent press conference at the ECWA headquarters in Jos, General Secretary Rev Ayuba Asheshe expressed grave distress at the deteriorating security conditions. He disclosed that despite spending over N300 million on ransom payments, there are still more than 50 Church members being held captive.

According to Asheshe, the Kwa sam DCC in Kauru Local Council of Kaduna State has been relentlessly attacked, resulting in the death of over 20 individuals and the kidnapping of more than 100 people, including church members. Despite significant financial investments, the situation remains unchanged, causing a severe impact on farming activities and posing a threat to food security.

Asheshe expressed dismay over the ongoing violence in Plateau, specifically referencing a recent incident at Hurti Village in Bokkos Local Council. This attack resulted in the loss of over 40 lives, including two pastors, and the destruction of 240 homes.

Likewise, in the neighboring Zike and Kimakpa communities of Bassa LGA, over 50 individuals lost their lives in a distinct assault on April 14.

The cleric stressed the significance of a collective effort in addressing the recent assaults on primarily Christian areas, stating that they are part of an organized effort. He also highlighted the pressing necessity for a coordinated approach to reestablish peace and safety in these impacted regions.

He urged government officials and stakeholders to come together and create successful plans to break the cycle of violence and safeguard vulnerable communities throughout Nigeria.