The Chairman of Agatu Local Government Council and Deputy Chairman of ALGON in Benue State, Hon. Amb. James Melvin Ejeh, on Sunday attended the thanksgiving service of the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr. Mrs. Margaret Ijaguwa Adamu, at ECWA Church, Enugba, Agatu, before leading a security patrol across Western Agatu communities.

At the service, Hon. Ejeh reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the safety of all residents and the restoration of displaced communities in Agatu West. He assured that no life would be lost under his watch, and that all displaced persons would safely return to their ancestral homes.

Following the service, the Chairman embarked on a security assessment tour, stopping at Warri town to address community members. He reiterated his role as Chief Security Officer of the local government, pledging to safeguard Agatu from armed herders and other threats.

“I will never allow Agatu to be destroyed. With God on my side and Governor Hyacinth Alia’s support, we have put measures in place to prevent armed herders from entering. All displaced communities—Ikpele, Ogwumogbo, Ejima, Okpokpolo, and others—will return to farming and rebuild their lives,” Ejeh said.

He praised Governor Alia for his continuous support to Agatu, highlighting the governor’s developmental projects and strategic appointments benefiting the area. The Chairman also announced that new roads jointly funded by the state and local government would begin construction in Agatu soon.

During the patrol, Headman of Warri community, Mr. Salifu Abu, expressed gratitude for Ejeh personally leading the security team, calling it a first for the area. He appealed for sustained government support to maintain peace.

Earlier at the thanksgiving service, Hon. Ejeh commended Dr. Margaret Adamu for her dedication to service and development in Agatu. He also welcomed Dr. Ojotu Ojema, Honourable Member representing Apa/Agatu, who traveled from Abuja to attend the event.

Ejeh pledged ongoing support for Governor Alia’s second-term bid, stressing that continued backing would consolidate the ongoing transformation in Agatu. He reaffirmed that the community would not tolerate any resident collaborating with external forces to destabilize the area.

The Chairman also made a generous donation to the church, noting his personal connection to the Adamu family and celebrating their achievements as a collective success.

The security patrol, covering multiple communities in Agatu West, reinforced Hon. Ejeh’s dedication to restoring stability, promoting unity, and ensuring the safe return of displaced families.