Leaders of the Agatu West Peace and Unity Forum (AWPUF) have decried what they described as persistent injustice in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, alleging the illegal and forceful ceding of farmlands in the area to a foreign miner.
In a statement signed by the AWPUF President, Mr. Ebi Lucky, and made available to journalists, the group called on the public and relevant authorities to investigate the alleged development, which they said threatens the livelihoods of affected communities.
According to the statement, the Agatu West region comprises four wards—Usha, Ogwule Kaduna, Enugba, and Ogwule Obaulu—areas that have reportedly suffered repeated attacks by suspected Fulani herders since 2013.
The forum alleged that more than 15 villages in the western zone have been sacked since 2024, leaving residents displaced and unable to access their farmlands.
The group further alleged that the purported ceding of the land was linked to some traditional rulers whose names and identity have been revealed to them.
The group claimed that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) had been signed by those involved in relation to mining activities in the area.
AWPUF questioned how a foreign miner could reportedly operate freely in communities previously affected by insecurity, suggesting that the ongoing crisis may be “man-made.”
The group also expressed concern that key local authorities, including the Executive Chairman of Agatu Local Government Council, Hon. Melvin James Ejeh, and the Och’Agatu, HRH Godwin Onah, were allegedly unaware of the development.
The forum described the situation as “annoying and embarrassing,” accusing unnamed individuals of ceding community lands without consulting rightful owners.
AWPUF, therefore, issued a set of demands, including the immediate return of displaced persons before any mining activities commence, a review of any existing MoU, and the inclusion of the forum in all related processes and negotiations.
“If the allegation of ceding of the land in the name of mining is any thing thoughtful ,then the displaced persons must be returned to their various homes before the commencement of any mining activity.
“Any alleged memorandum of understanding ( MoU) signed by the individuals involved must be reviewed.
“The leadership of Agatu West Peace and Unity Forum must be fully involved in the whole processes and transactions.
“A meeting with the local government chairman, Agatu west traditional rulers and critical stakeholders must be convened to address grey areas to that effect”.
It warned that any individual found culpable in the alleged illegal transaction should be prosecuted in accordance with the law to serve as a deterrent to others.
The group also called for a stakeholders’ meeting involving the local government chairman, traditional rulers, and other critical actors to address the situation.
