The alarm follows reports that terrorists dislodged after coordinated United States and Nigerian military airstrikes in Sokoto State have begun relocating across state borders.
Amid growing concerns over the spillover effects of counterterrorism operations, the Chairman of the Agatu Local Government Council in Benue State, James Melvin Ejeh, has decried how displaced armed elements are now targeting rural communities.
The alarm follows reports that terrorists dislodged after coordinated United States and Nigerian military airstrikes in Sokoto State have begun relocating across state borders.
The airstrikes were carried out in December, targeted locations where terrorists were allegedly plotting attacks. Since then, intelligence and local accounts have pointed to a dispersal of the fighters into neighbouring states.
Ejeh said Agatu communities are bearing the brunt of the fallout, with renewed attacks threatening lives and livelihoods.
“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" he said, according to Daily Trust.
“These armed elements, fleeing from neighbouring areas, have reportedly infiltrated Agatu communities and unleashed unprecedented terror on innocent and defenceless residents."
In response, the council chairman announced decisive administrative measures, including the cancellation of a long-standing grazing arrangement that had granted herdsmen access to Adepati Island since 2017.
"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 accused past local authorities of compromising community safety under the pretext of peacebuilding.
“That agreement, entered into by the then administration of Agatu Local Government Council, was never carried out in good faith. It was done under the guise of promoting peaceful coexistence, but at the expense of the Agatu people."
According to Ejeh, the security implications of the arrangement have now become untenable.
"The negative consequences of that action have been enormous. Consequently, I hereby declare the agreement null and void and of no effect whatsoever.
“Furthermore, all armed herders are hereby ordered to vacate Agatu land with immediate effect. Let it be clearly stated that no portion of the Agatu land belongs to herders under any guise,” he posited.
He added that law enforcement agencies have begun clampdowns and investigations, warning that collaboration with armed groups would not be tolerated.
"Security agencies have already arrested some relevant suspects and are currently investigating them. No individual found aiding or abetting insecurity in Agatu will be shielded or granted undue leniency.
“The position of the Agatu people is unequivocal: at this time, no herder is welcome on Agatu land. Any future engagement, if considered, will occur only after extensive consultation with the Agatu Traditional Council and other critical stakeholders, and will be conducted strictly through lawful and official channels,” Ejeh maintained.