Pastor Ojotu Ojema, a member of the House of Representatives for Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency in Benue State, has raised an urgent alarm about armed herders occupying 20 communities in Agatu Local Government Area of the state. Ojema called on the Nigerian military to launch clearance operations to restore peace to the region, where local residents have been displaced by the armed groups.
Speaking during an interview in Makurdi over the weekend, Ojema revealed that the situation had escalated, particularly following a recent invasion of Egwuma community by suspected Fulani bandits. This attack left two soldiers and six others dead.
The lawmaker expressed deep concern over the rising violence, noting that the herders have overrun more than 20 communities in Agatu, turning them into forests, and continuing to displace local populations. Ojema stressed the need for the military to adopt a more proactive and aggressive approach to combat the rising insecurity in the region.
“The Apa/Agatu axis remains one of the most neglected and endangered areas in the country,” Ojema lamented, emphasizing the repeated attacks that have forced him to visit his constituency more than 25 times since assuming office. He recalled a previous attack in Ayila, during which five security personnel were killed, and noted the most recent attack on October 1, which claimed the lives of a community leader, six residents, and two soldiers.
Ojema pointed out that despite the presence of over 50 soldiers in the area, the armed herders continue to carry out deadly assaults. He urged the Nigerian military to step up its efforts, including the possibility of air operations, to reclaim the occupied areas and prevent further attacks.
“The professionalism of Nigeria’s security forces is undeniable. These armed groups should not be able to challenge or overpower them,” Ojema stated, calling for immediate action to safeguard the region’s remaining communities.
