Agatu Youths Block Oweto Bridge, Demand Urgent Action Over Killings in Benue

Hundreds of young people from Agatu Local Government Area in Benue State on Saturday staged a protest along the Oweto–Otukpo highway, blocking traffic near the Oweto Bridge as they called for urgent government intervention over the continued killing of residents by suspected armed herders.

The demonstrators, organised under the Agatu West Peace and Unity Forum, began the protest on Friday and maintained the road blockade for several hours. The action caused significant traffic congestion along the busy route while drawing attention to the worsening security situation in the area.

Carrying placards with messages such as “Stop Agatu killings now,” and “Save Agatu now,” the protesters appealed to both the Federal Government and the Benue State Government to take decisive steps to restore peace in their communities.

Speaking during the protest, the National Youth President of the forum, Ebi Lucky, said repeated attacks by suspected armed militias had forced many residents to flee their ancestral homes.

According to him, a large number of displaced persons have been living in temporary shelters near the banks of the Oweto River for more than two years.

“Our people have been suffering for over two years. Many have been forced out of their homes and are now living here without proper shelter, food, schools, or medical care,” he said.

Lucky explained that the protest was organised to draw the attention of the Federal Government under Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the hardship faced by displaced residents and the persistent attacks affecting communities across Agatu West.

He also criticised the administration of Hyacinth Alia and the Agatu Local Government chairman, Melvin Ejeh, accusing them of failing to adequately respond to the crisis.

“We have appealed several times to both the local government chairman and the state governor, but our people have not received the help they need. What we want is peace in Agatu so our people can return to their farms,” he added.

The protesters also called on the lawmaker 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 practical steps to address the security challenges affecting their constituents.

They further appealed to the Federal Government to deploy additional security personnel to vulnerable communities, particularly areas they described as major entry points used by attackers.

Agatu, located in southern Benue and largely inhabited by the Idoma people, depends heavily on farming and fishing as its main sources of livelihood.

One of the affected residents, Mrs. Mercy Danladi, recounted how her husband, sister, and cousin were killed in separate attacks on Ochelefu village between 2013 and 2025.

She appealed to the Federal Government to urgently improve security in the area so displaced families can safely return to their homes and farmlands.

Another displaced resident, Ajumi John, said more than 200 internally displaced persons are currently living in makeshift shelters close to the riverbank.

“Our community has been taken over by the militia. We have nowhere else to go. When it rains, we cover the roofs of our huts made from sticks and grass with leather,” he said.

The protesters vowed to continue their demonstration until authorities take concrete measures to stop the attacks and enable displaced residents to return home.

Meanwhile, the Divisional Police Officer of Agatu Division, CSP Dennis Asawa, who monitored security during the protest, commended the demonstrators for conducting themselves peacefully.

“I appreciate the protesters for maintaining order during the demonstration. Their concerns have been communicated to the relevant authorities, and necessary actions will follow,” he said.

Also speaking, the National Secretary of the forum, Dandy Adoba, alleged that more than 15 villages in Agatu West have been overrun by armed herders since 2013. He added that hundreds of residents had lost their lives in the attacks and appealed to the Federal Government to deploy more security forces to protect the affected communities.

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