Agatu youths rally for farmland as rains approach, demand herdsmen leave

By Johnson Arua

Youths in Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State took to the streets on Monday in Obagaji, the council headquarters, to demand that Fulani herdsmen vacate farmlands ahead of the planting season.

The protesters, waving placards reading “Fulani must go”, “Leave our land to allow us farm”, and “We want cows out of our farms”, marched to the Local Government Secretariat while chanting solidarity songs.

They expressed fears that the presence of cattle on farmland could destroy crops and spark violent clashes.

Speaking anonymously, one protester explained the urgency of their action:
"The rains are here, and people need to start farming. If the herders don’t leave now, they risk harming anyone who goes to their farms.

"Agatu has always been vulnerable at the start of the farming season, so it is only right that the land is cleared for us to cultivate."
Responding to the protest, Agatu LGA Chairman, Mr. Melvin Ejeh, described the demonstration as peaceful and acknowledged the validity of the youths’ concerns.

He said: "The protest lasted less than an hour, and there was no damage to government or private property. Their demand is straightforward—they want herders to vacate the farmland during the planting season.

"We have assured them that the government is on top of the matter and will engage the herders’ leadership to ensure compliance."

Ejeh added: "Farm and cattle don’t mix—if they are together, crops will be destroyed, and conflict is inevitable. I support our people’s concerns. Now that the rains are here, it is appropriate for herders to leave so that farming can proceed safely."

The protest highlights ongoing tensions between farmers and herders in Agatu, particularly as the community prepares for the vital planting season.