Horror In Agatu: Unknown Attackers Kill Herdsman And Cows, Community Youths Demand Justice
A gruesome attack has shaken the Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria, leaving a herdsman and over 210 cows dead or stolen. The Agatu Youth Development Initiative (AYDI) has condemned the violent acts, describing the perpetrators as "enemies of peace" determined to sabotage the steady progress made in restoring calm to the region.
The attackers are outsiders jealous of the peace and progress in Agatu since October 2024. The group's National President, Ngbede Edoh, and Woman Leader, Mrs. Rose Onuminya, expressed concern that these crimes could destroy the peaceful efforts made by the local government chairman, Hon. Melvin Ejeh. The herdsman and cows were reportedly killed in various communities across Agatu, sparking widespread outrage and demands for justice.
AYDI has praised the peaceful coexistence that had blossomed in Agatu following a mutual agreement between local leaders and Fulani herders. The group emphasized that the local population has remained committed to being good hosts, fostering an environment of tolerance and mutual respect. However, the recent acts of violence pose a serious threat to this fragile peace. AYDI has urged security agencies to swiftly identify and apprehend those responsible, warning that if nothing is done, Agatu could return to the dark days of bloodshed and reprisals.
The local government chairman, Hon. Melvin Ejeh, has been working with Fulani leaders to maintain peace, with both sides agreeing to respect each other's cultures and laws. AYDI has commended the gallantry of the Commander, Operation Whirl Stroke, and his troops, the DSS, Police, and other security agencies for their efforts in ensuring relative peace in Agatu. The group has also called on the Agatu people to direct any grievances about the activities of herders to the appropriate authorities, rather than resorting to self-help.
The resurgence of violence in Agatu has raised concerns among residents, who fear a return to the dark days of killings and reprisals. AYDI has warned that the perpetrators are "crisis merchants" driven by ulterior motives to plunge the area back into a cycle of violence. The group's leaders have expressed confidence in the capacity of security agencies and local leadership to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The investigation into the attack is ongoing, with security agencies working to identify and apprehend those responsible. AYDI has urged the authorities to engage the youths of Agatu land in a peace-building awareness forum and to rehabilitate those at the forefront of the disturbing acts. The group's leaders have also appealed to the local government chairman to remain firm in his determination to ensure a peaceful Agatu.
The attack in Agatu is a stark reminder of the need for continued efforts to promote peace and understanding in the region. As the investigation unfolds, residents of Agatu and beyond are holding their breath, hoping for justice and an end to the violence. The authorities must take swift and decisive action to address the underlying issues driving these attacks and ensure that those responsible are brought to account. Only through sustained efforts to promote peace, tolerance, and mutual respect can Agatu and its people hope to escape the cycle of violence that has haunted them for so long.
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