Benue attacks: LG chairman seeks FG’s support in rebuilding destroyed communities
The Executive Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, Melvin Ejeh has appealed to the Federal Government for urgent intervention and support in rebuilding communities devastated by repeated attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
The call followed a comprehensive eight-hour assessment of critical public infrastructure across 15 settlements in Usha, Ogwule Kaduna and Ogwule Ogbaulu wards in Agatu West.
The assessment was aimed at facilitating the safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and guiding the rehabilitation of essential facilities.
Speaking during the security assessment tour, Ejeh emphasized the pressing need for the restoration of basic infrastructure to enable displaced residents to return home and resume their lives.
“We are working assiduously to ensure that our people have unfettered access to fundamental infrastructure, including roads, schools, hospitals, markets and traditional palaces, which are indispensable for their safe and dignified return.”
The tour revealed that some communities— such as Iwarri, London, Ikpele 2 and Egwuma— have started seeing the return of residents, with many resuming farming activities.
However, several others, including Ejima 1 and 2, Okpokpolo, Ogwumogbo, Ajomanchi, Ogbai and Akele, remain abandoned due to destroyed infrastructure and security concerns.
Ejeh expressed gratitude to Governor Hyacinth Alia for his commitment to the security and welfare of Agatu people, while also acknowledging President Bola Tinubu for ongoing federal support.
“The Federal Government needs to make deliberate efforts to address the plight of Agatu people.
“We need support in rebuilding our infrastructure, providing more security formations, and creating an enabling environment for our people to return and rebuild their lives,” he said.
The LG chairman commended the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and all service chiefs for sustaining peace in the area, adding that his administration would continue working closely with security agencies to ensure the safe and permanent return of displaced residents.
He said through sustained rehabilitation efforts, the Agatu Local Government Council aims to rejuvenate war-torn communities and restore lasting peace and development.
Ejeh in the same vein, stressed that Federal Government involvement is crucial to overcoming the current humanitarian crisis and rebuilding the future of Agatu.
Benue attacks: LG chairman seeks FG’s support in rebuilding destroyed communities
