Hundreds of youths from Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State on Saturday staged a dramatic protest along the Oweto–Otukpo highway, blocking the road near the Oweto Bridge to demand urgent action over persistent killings in their communities.
The protest, organised by the Agatu West Peace and Unity Forum, began on Friday and continued into Saturday, drawing widespread attention to the worsening security crisis in the area. The blockade caused significant traffic disruption along the busy highway as protesters insisted that authorities must act to end the violence.
Holding placards with inscriptions such as “Stop Agatu killings now,” “Save Agatu now,” and “We want peace in Agatu,” the demonstrators called on the Federal Government led by Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the administration of Hyacinth Alia to urgently intervene and restore peace to the troubled communities.
Addressing the protesters, the National Youth President of the forum, Ebi Lucky, said repeated attacks by suspected armed herders had forced many residents to flee their ancestral homes, leaving hundreds displaced.
According to him, many families have been living in makeshift shelters along the banks of the Oweto River for more than two years without access to basic amenities.
“Our people have suffered for over two and a half years. Many have abandoned their homes and now live here without proper shelter, food, schools or medical care,” he said.
Lucky explained that the protest was organised to draw national attention to the plight of displaced residents and the continued attacks on communities in Agatu West.
He also criticised the Agatu Local Government administration led by Hon. Melvin Ejeh and the state government for failing to adequately respond to the security situation.
“We have cried to the local government chairman and the state governor, but nobody has come to our aid. All we want is peace in Agatu land and the opportunity to return to our farms,” he said.
The protesters also appealed to the member 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 decisive steps to address the suffering of their constituents.
They further called on the Federal Government to deploy more security personnel to vulnerable communities, particularly areas they described as porous entry points frequently used by attackers.
Agatu, located in southern Benue and predominantly inhabited by the Idoma people, relies heavily on farming and fishing for livelihood—activities that have been severely disrupted by years of insecurity.
One of the victims, Mercy Danladi, narrated 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 provide security that would enable displaced residents to return safely to their homes and farmlands.
Another displaced resident, Ajumi John, said more than 200 internally displaced persons are currently living in temporary huts along the riverbank.
“Our community has been taken over by the militia. We have nowhere to go. When it rains, we cover our huts made of sticks and grass with leather to prevent the water from entering,” he said.
The protesters vowed to continue their demonstrations until authorities take concrete steps to halt the killings and allow displaced residents to return home.
Meanwhile, the Divisional Police Officer of Agatu Division, CSP Dennis Asawa, who monitored the protest, commended the youths for conducting themselves peacefully.
“I appreciate the protesters for organising themselves in a peaceful manner. Their message has been conveyed to the authorities, and appropriate actions will be taken,” he said.
Also speaking, the National Secretary of the Agatu West Peace and Unity Forum, Dandy Adoba, claimed that more than 15 villages in Agatu West have been overrun by armed herders since 2013.
He warned that the humanitarian and security situation could worsen if urgent intervention is not undertaken.
“Our people are dying almost every day. We are appealing to the Federal Government to deploy security personnel so that our people can return home and rebuild their lives,” he said.
Agatu Youths Block Oweto–Otukpo Highway, Demand Urgent End to Killings
