The Chairman of the Agatu Local Government Council in Benue State, James Melvin Ejeh, has raised alarm over what he described as a dangerous migration of armed groups into his territory, following joint United States-Nigeria military airstrikes in Sokoto State in December 2025. The strikes, which targeted suspected militant planning camps, reportedly dislodged fighters who have since scattered across state borders, according to intelligence and local accounts. Ejeh said Agatu communities are now experiencing a “renewed wave of violent attacks,” which he linked to the airstrike aftermath, stating, “Agatu Local Government Area is presently experiencing a renewed wave of violent attacks, which we firmly believe is a fallout of recent military airstrikes in the Sokoko axis.”
In response to the deteriorating security situation, Mr Ejeh announced the immediate revocation of a 2017 grazing agreement that had granted herders access to Adepati Island, accusing past authorities of acting in bad faith. “In view of the persistent violations and escalating violence, I hereby announce the immediate revocation of the 2017 agreement that granted herdsmen access to Adepati Island for grazing,” he said, adding that “no portion of the Agatu land belongs to herders under any guise.” He further issued a firm eviction order, declaring, “no herder is welcome on Agatu land,” and warning that individuals aiding insecurity would face arrest and prosecution. Security agencies, he confirmed, have begun investigations and clampdowns on suspects linked to the unrest.