The Chairman of Agatu Local Government, Hon. Melvin James Ejeh, has revoked the controversial 2017 grazing agreement that granted herders access to Adapati Island and ordered all armed herders to vacate Agatu communities immediately.

The move follows a renewed wave of violent attacks allegedly carried out by armed herders, reportedly linked to military airstrikes in Sokoto State. The attacks have led to killings, injuries, sexual assaults, destruction of homes and farmlands, and displacement of hundreds of residents, prompting Ejeh to describe the situation as a grave humanitarian and security crisis.

“The 2017 agreement, entered into by a former sole administrator, was not executed in good faith and has had negative consequences for the people of Agatu. It is hereby null and void,” Ejeh declared, emphasizing that no part of Agatu belongs to herders.

He called on the Federal Government and security agencies to deploy additional military and police personnel, noting that current security arrangements are inadequate to handle the influx of armed herders.

Ejeh also commended Benue State Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia and security agencies—including Operation Whirl Stroke, Operation Anyam Nyor, the Nigeria Police, DSS, and NSCDC—for their efforts, but stressed that more troops are needed to flush out criminal elements.

He warned that anyone aiding insecurity in Agatu will face prosecution and urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, reiterating: “At this time, no herder is welcome on Agatu land.”