Benue: Decades-old pond dispute reignites tension between Egba and Ologba communities in Agatu LG

By Tolu Temidire

A decades-old land dispute between the Egba and Ologba communities in Agatu Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue State has resurfaced, sparking fears of renewed conflict over ownership of a pond that has divided the communities for more than fifty years.

The dispute, first formally settled in 1972 by an area court under the then Benue-Plateau administration, established a boundary at Idogo.

According to the ruling, land east of Idogo was allocated to the Egba people, while the western portion belonged to Ologba. For decades, this arrangement maintained peace—until recent developments reignited old tensions.

Mr. Ikpa Amadu, a representative of the Egba community, recounted the historical context and recent challenges. “The original judgment prevented disputes for years, but in 2024, a new ruling favored Ologba without considering the 1972 settlement,” he said.

“Now, there are plans by some to use the military to enforce this judgment, which is worrying.”
He stressed that another court case related to the pond dispute is still pending and appealed for restraint. “There has not been any physical attack from either side,” Mr. Amadu said.

“We are calling for justice, not violence. Both judgments exist, and we must handle the matter carefully rather than through force. We want fairness, not bloodshed.”

The Egba community has urged the Benue State Government to intervene to prevent further loss of lives and property. “We are asking the state to enforce the original boundary ruling and ensure that neither side trespasses beyond agreed limits,” Mr. Amadu added.

Responding to the issue, Chairman of Agatu Local Government, Mr. Melvin Ejeh, acknowledged the historical nature of the conflict, noting, “This is an age-old crisis. It existed before I was born and even before my mother got married, yet as a public servant, we must always uphold the truth.

Justice must be done and seen to be done.”
Mr. Ejeh confirmed that the 2024 Court of Appeal ruling in favor of Ologba was formally executed in February by bailiffs and security agents. “We only affirmed the court’s judgment. Nobody has filed an appeal, which means the ruling stands,” he explained.

Highlighting government efforts to manage tensions, the council chairman said, “Security agencies have been briefed to clamp down on anyone attempting to take the law into their own hands.

"Additionally, the state government is constructing a 43km road through the communities and we are establishing a military barracks at the boundary to ensure rapid response in case of a threat,” he added.