Documents Expose Secret Ceding of Agatu Land to ‘Indigenous’ Fulani Herdsmen in Benue

The decades-long violence between Fulani herders and the residents of Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) in Benue State may be explained by new evidence.

A portion of Agatu land was covertly given to Fulani herders in 2017, according to documents obtained exclusively. Some claim that this action has exacerbated ongoing conflict and bloodshed in the area.

Herdsmen and villages in Agatu have been at odds over grazing on farmlands for many years.

Reports state that the fighting has destroyed crops, killed dozens, and displaced hundreds.

Aila, Okokolo, Obagaji, Adagbo, Akwu, Odugbehon, Odejo, and other communities have suffered greatly as a result of the violence.

The impacted communities’ residents have repeatedly opposed herder activities, claiming that their livelihoods and crops are constantly in danger.

The 2017 relinquishing of land on Adapati Island, which has been mentioned as a cause of contention by both sides, has been shown as a deeper dimension by the recently discovered documents.

The deal, which was signed on January 6, 2017, was allegedly overseen by Capt. I.A. Yusuf, who was Agatu LGA’s sole administrator at the time.

“Adapati Island would be open only for grazing, not residence,” it said, among other things. Grazing on the island was restricted to “indigenous Fulani” who had their identification confirmed.

Despite these requirements, the deal has drawn a lot of criticism for being exclusive and private, with no involvement from the local community or traditional authorities.

The arrangement has been rejected by Chief Echechofu Ogwola, the head of the Ayele/Igagishu Clan, whose power extends to Adapati territory.

The clan, represented by the legal firm E-O Samson & Partners, confirmed that the land ceding was done without permission and was therefore void under customary law.

It stated: “Our client, the Adapati community, or any legitimate traditional authority were never consulted, invited, or involved prior to the alleged ceding or opening of Adapati communal territory to Fulani herdsmen for grazing purposes.

The land in dispute is customary community land that the Clan Head holds in trust on behalf of the people. Without the proprietors’ knowledge, approval, or involvement, any alleged agreement touching such land is void and has no legal significance.

According to the firm, there have been several violations of the agreement, including the demolition of indigenous homes and farmlands, grazing outside of Adapati Island on other community properties, and the use of machetes and firearms that have resulted in violent altercations.

The Benue State Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, 2017, which went into effect on May 22, 2017, further complicates the situation.

Important clauses include: Section 5: Adapati does not have a gubernatorial permit for grazing.

Section 19: Outside of approved pastures, nomadic herding is prohibited.

Attorneys for the clan have formally demanded:

“The agreement from January 6, 2017 is immediately invalidated.

“All grazing operations must immediately stop, and herders, cattle, and unauthorized buildings must be removed from Adapati territory. 30 days for written confirmation of compliance.

For farmers and people of Adapati and surrounding areas, the illegal grazing operations have resulted in significant losses, economic suffering, environmental damage, and insecurity. The persistent infringement on their property, possessory, and customary rights is intolerable to our client and his people.

“Legal action and petitions to state authorities will result from noncompliance,” the business cautioned.

The 2017 grazing arrangement that allowed herders access to Adapati Island was earlier annulled by Agatu chairman Melvin Ejeh, who also ordered all armed herders to leave Agatu settlements immediately.

He characterized the deal, which was signed by a prior sole administrator, as having detrimental effects on the Agatu people and not being carried out in good faith.