Insecurity: AWPUF Accuses Alia of Abandoning Agatu, Hails Council Chairman Over Army Battalion

The Agatu West Peace and Unity Forum, known as AWPUF, has criticized Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, for abandoning the Agatu Local Government Area to the threat of armed herders. AWPUF contends that the idea of the area being "reclaimed" is a misrepresentation of the current situation. The forum's President, Comrade Ebi Lucky, stated in a statement that 15 villages that were attacked repeatedly remain deserted, with no return to ancestral homes or resumption of farming activities in those areas.

AWPUF also accused Governor Alia of not addressing the ongoing violence, as there has been no public comment or visit to Agatu since the attacks started. The forum urged the governor to take action and deploy security forces to the region, noting that the only intervention thus far was short-lived. AWPUF expressed that the 25 soldiers who were stationed in Agatu Western Zone were moved back to Obagaji, the local government headquarters, within two weeks.

Despite their criticism of the state government, AWPUF acknowledged the Agatu Council Chairman, Ambassador Melvin James Ejeh, for his efforts in facilitating the deployment of an Army Battalion to the area. The forum commended Ejeh's "proactive steps" that have brought relative peace to parts of the local government and noted the logistical support the battalion provides to security agencies.

By hosting the army battalion, AWPUF believes it will strengthen security, boost community confidence, and encourage displaced persons to safely return to their farms and markets.