Agatu youths demand military exit, allege security failures in Benue communities

By Johnson Arua

The Agatu Indigenous Youth Association (AIYA) has called for the immediate withdrawal of troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) from Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, accusing the military of inefficiency, alleged compromise, and failure to respond to intelligence on repeated attacks.

In a petition addressed to the Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, the group alleged that soldiers deployed in the area have not effectively protected lives and property, claiming residents have lost confidence in their presence.

Signed by the Convener and Interim National President, Ochokwunu Edor, the petition specifically criticised the conduct of the Agatu Unit Commander, saying insecurity in the area has worsened under military deployment.

“Our people no longer feel safe under the protection of the military, and we have lost total trust in their ability and willingness to secure our lives and property,” the group stated, adding that there were fears that civilians could be harmed by those meant to protect them.

AIYA further alleged poor operational conduct, including irregular patrols, alleged demands for fuel logistics from residents, and delayed response to distress calls. According to the group, troops often only respond when provided with logistics support.

“There are no security patrols except when contacted. Even when fuel is provided, they move to the affected area at their own will and time,” the petition read.

The youths also accused the military of failing to act on intelligence warnings ahead of attacks. They cited the May 2, 2026 assault on Odugbeho community, where they claimed advance warning was ignored, leading to the killing of four residents.

The group further alleged that troops did not intervene during a separate attack on Olegabulu community despite being stationed nearby.

AIYA therefore demanded the immediate withdrawal of OPWS personnel from Agatu and called for their replacement with Mobile Police officers, arguing that policing had been more effective in the area between 2013 and 2017.

“Our insecurity became more intense following the deployment of the military, and we suspect compromise at its peak now,” the petition added.

The petition was copied to several stakeholders, including the Och’Idoma IV, HRM John Elaigwu Odogbo; Senator Abba Moro; Hon. Ojotu Ojema, representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency; and Agatu LGA Chairman, Hon. James Melvin Ejeh.

When contacted, the Acting Media Information Officer of Operation Whirl Stroke, Lt. Zubairu Ahmad, declined to comment on the allegations.

The Chairman of Agatu LGA, Melvin Ejeh, said he had not yet received the petition.