Youths of Agatu Local Government Area in Benue State have accused security agencies of arresting innocent community members rather than those responsible for repeated attacks on their communities.
In a petition addressed to the Benue State Commissioner of Police, the Agatu youths said the area has suffered sustained assaults by suspected Fulani herdsmen since 2013, leading to deaths, destruction of homes and farmlands, and severe economic hardship.
“Our land has been under unprovoked attacks since 2013, resulting in loss of lives, destruction of properties and wanton devastation of farmlands,” the youths stated.
They alleged that the failure of authorities to decisively confront the attackers has emboldened them, raising suspicion of possible collusion.
“The persistent nature of these attacks, unchecked by authorities, has emboldened the perpetrators and raises suspicion of possible collusion between the herdsmen and some individuals in positions of authority,” the petition read.
The youths further claimed that victims who speak out are often arrested instead of being protected.
“The situation worsens when those brutalised by the herdsmen dare to speak out, only to be arrested, charged and sometimes never seen again,” they alleged.
They specifically accused security operatives of raiding Obagaji, the headquarters of Agatu Local Government Area, on January 25, 2026.
“Security personnel raided our hometown of Obagaji yesterday, January 25, 2026, arresting individuals who dared to question the herdsmen’s brutality,” the youths said, adding that those arrested were taken to undisclosed locations.
Demanding their release, the youths said, “We therefore demand the immediate and unconditional release of these arrested youths, unharmed.”
The petition also questioned the role of security agencies deployed to the area, accusing some officers of intimidation rather than protection.
“We have reasons to suspect a conspiracy and alleged alliance between security agents and the enemies intruding in our land,” the youths claimed, alleging that arrests were used to instil fear and prevent residents from defending themselves.
As a result, they said they had lost confidence in the existing security architecture in Agatu and called for the establishment of a locally driven internal security network.
“In light of this, we seek approval for the establishment of our own Agatu internal security network to be trained and empowered to protect our people,” the petition stated.
The youths urged the Commissioner of Police to urgently intervene by protecting lives and property, investigating the attacks, and ensuring accountability for anyone found complicit.
Copies of the petition were sent to the Och’Idoma, Senator Abbah Moro, members of the House of Representatives and Benue State House of Assembly from the area, the Agatu Local Government chairman, and the Divisional Police Officer.
As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Command had not responded to the allegations.
