The Executive Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, Hon. Melvin James Ejeh, has dismissed allegations suggesting a purported agreement for herders to occupy Agatu communities, describing the claims as false and malicious.

In a reaction to concerns raised by some citizens, Hon. Ejeh clarified that no such agreement exists. Instead, he emphasized his administration’s commitment to peace-building initiatives that prioritize the safety and welfare of Agatu residents.

“Our administration is focused on ensuring sustainable peace through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), a measure we adopted after realizing the futility of prolonged armed conflict,” Ejeh told our correspondent in a telephone conversation.

He revealed that upon his assumption of office in October 2024, fourteen Agatu communities were under siege, with displaced residents struggling to rebuild their lives. To address the crisis, his government facilitated critical stakeholder engagements, including Agatu leaders, Fulani representatives, and security officials, leading to a unanimous decision for herders occupying Agatu territories to vacate immediately.

“Herders have agreed to leave Agatu lands to allow displaced persons to return home, heal, and rebuild their lives. This decision underscores the commitment of all parties to peace and reconciliation,” he added.

Ejeh highlighted the significant progress achieved during meetings held in Loko, Nasarawa State, and Obagaji, Agatu LGA, where over 2,000 delegates from Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, and Taraba States participated. The outcomes included the establishment of a 28-member peace committee with equal representation of herders and farmers to develop actionable strategies for coexistence.

“The Benue State Chairman of Miyetti Allah, Ardo Mohammed Risku, publicly tendered an unreserved apology for past atrocities committed by herders and appealed for forgiveness,” the council boss disclosed.

In a bold move to ensure accountability, both Agatu and Fulani leaders agreed to expose criminal elements within their communities. “For now, herders will remain outside Agatu until actionable resolutions are implemented by the joint committee,” Ejeh affirmed.

Describing the devastating toll of the conflict, he recounted years of displacement, loss of lives, and economic hardship faced by Agatu residents. “War has failed us for over a decade. This administration is determined to use ADR as a lasting solution to restore peace and prosperity to Agatu,” he concluded.

With these efforts, the Agatu chairman has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering resolve to secure a peaceful and thriving community for its people.

Troops of 6 Brigade, Sector 3 of the “Operation Whirl Stroke” (OPWS) have thwarted a planned banditry attack in Taraba and arrested two suspects with AK 47 rifles.

According to a statement on Thursday by Capt. Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations in Jalingo, said the success was as a result of a coordinated operation based on credible intelligence.

“Upon receiving actionable intelligence, troops on 11 December 2024, swiftly launched a series of aggressive patrols, ambushes, and covert operations to prevent the attack.

“These efforts culminated in the apprehension of two suspected terrorists, identified as Terry Waapara and Tobaya Tekura, in Adu village.

“The suspects were intercepted while attempting to infiltrate the Chachanji market to carry out their nefarious mission, believed to include kidnapping and other criminal activities.

“During the operation, troops recovered 2 AK-47 rifles, 2 AK-47 magazines and 26 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

“The suspects are currently in custody and undergoing further investigation to uncover more details about their network and activities.”

The statement quoted the Commander 6 Brigade, Brig. Gen. Kingsley Uwa, commending the troops for their vigilance, professionalism, and swift response, which led to the success.

“I want to assure the good people of Taraba State that the Nigerian Army will remain resolute in its fight against terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality.

“I appreciate the support and cooperation of law-abiding citizens in providing timely and credible information.

“Together we will make Taraba a safe environment for all,” Uwa said

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Kano Zonal Command, has received 10 rescued victims of human trafficking.

The agency’s Zonal Commander, Mr Abdullahi Babale, said this on Thursday in Kano while receiving the victims from the Nigeria Police Force, Kano State Command.

He said that the victims were rescued on Dec. 7 at about 2.40 p.m. in a house situated at Rijiyar Lemu Quarters in Kano by a team of policemen,
led by CSP Bala Shuaibu.

Babale added that the rescued victims, aged between 22 and 42, comprised six females and four males, explaining that “they were on their way to Libya for labour exploitation.

“The rescued victims are from Delta, Edo, Osun, Ogun, and Lagos states.”

The zonal commander commended the Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Mr Salman Dogo-Garba, for his support and cooperation toward rescuing the victims.

He said that the victims would be counselled and rehabilitated before reuniting them with their families and urged parents to protect their children from being exploited and
lured into slavery in the name of seeking for greener pasture.

He urged the public to report suspicious cases of human trafficking in their respective communities.