By Amos Aar
THE CHAIRMAN of Apa LGA in Benue State, Comrade Adam Ocheja, has given herders a one-week ultimatum to vacate the council area, citing persistent attacks and threats to residents’ safety.
Speaking to journalists, Ocheja expressed concern over the inability of the local government to curb the herders’ activities, warning that their continued presence poses a risk to peace and security.
His statement came in response to a recent attack on Akpete community, which resulted in four fatalities and forced many residents to flee.
Three days after the incident, displaced residents of Akpete have yet to return, highlighting the gravity of the security situation.
The crisis has extended to several other communities in Apa, including Ediku, Oladoga, Edikwicho, Oiji, and Ojantele, which are reportedly under siege. Neighboring local governments such as Agatu, Gwer West, and Otukpo have also faced similar invasions and casualties.
“We have made efforts to coexist with the herders, but they have refused to adhere to peaceful coexistence,” Ocheja stated. “This is the farming season, and we cannot abandon our land for them.
They destroy our crops, engage in kidnappings, and intimidate our people. We have endured this for too long, but the situation is no longer tolerable.”
The chairman confirmed that he had notified security agencies, including the Divisional Police Officer and the Area Commander in Otukpo, and had also engaged the Benue State Commissioner of Police on the matter.
Echoing Ocheja’s concerns, the member representing Apa Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Abu James Umoru, condemned the attack on Akpete and expressed alarm over the escalating insecurity in the region.
Hon. Umoru lamented the loss of lives and widespread displacement, describing the situation as a national emergency. He called on state and federal authorities to take immediate action to restore security and enable displaced persons to return to their homes and farmlands.
“The continuous attacks have disrupted movement between communities, leaving people unable to access their homes or farms,” he said. “I extend my condolences to the victims in Akpete and other affected areas. The killing of innocent people serves no purpose and must be stopped.”
