By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Nigeria: Unease grips Benue as Agatu residents take to streets over herders ahead of planting season
A wave of tension swept through parts of Benue State on Monday as residents of Agatu Local Government Area staged a protest, demanding the withdrawal of herdsmen from their communities just as the farming season approaches.
In Obagaji, the council headquarters, groups of youths and farmers marched through the streets carrying placards and voicing their frustrations, warning that returning to their farms under the current conditions could spark fresh conflict.
For many in the area, the protest reflects deeper fears tied to years of insecurity. Residents say recurring clashes and attacks have made it difficult to farm, leaving livelihoods hanging in the balance.
With the rains drawing near, the urgency to plant has intensified, but so has anxiety over safety.
Protesters insist that the presence of herders and grazing cattle threatens both their crops and peace in the communities, calling for immediate action to prevent a repeat of past violence.
Local authorities have acknowledged the growing concerns. The Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Melvin Ejeh, said he has met with community leaders and youths to address the situation, assuring that efforts are underway to maintain calm.
He, however, noted that security plans would not be disclosed publicly.
While officials point to a reduction in recent attacks, the mood on the ground suggests lingering distrust, as residents brace for a farming season clouded by uncertainty.
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