The decades-long conflict 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 have claimed that this action has increased ongoing conflict and bloodshed in the area.
Communities in Agatu have been at conflict with ranchers over grazing on farmlands for many years.
Reports state that hundreds of people have been displaced, crops have been destroyed, and dozens of people have died in the war.
The violence has had a severe impact on a number of communities, including Aila, Okokolo, Obagaji, Adagbo, Akwu, Odugbehon, and Odejo.
Residents of the impacted areas have repeatedly opposed herder activities because they believe their crops and means of subsistence are constantly in danger.
The 2017 relinquishing of land on Adapati Island, which has been mentioned by both sides as a cause of contention, has been shown as a deeper dimension by the recently discovered documents.
Capt. I.A. Yusuf, who was Agatu LGA’s only administrator at the time, is said to have overseen the arrangement, which was signed on January 6, 2017.
It said, among other things, that Adapati Island would only be used for grazing and not for habitation. The only people allowed to graze on the island were “indigenous Fulani” with authentic identities.
Despite these requirements, the pact has drawn a lot of criticism for being exclusive and secretive, with neither the local people nor the traditional leaders having any say.
The arrangement has been rejected by Chief Echechofu Ogwola, the head of the Ayele/Igagishu Clan, whose power extends to Adapati land.
The clan, represented by the legal firm E-O Samson & Partners, confirmed that the land ceding was done without agreement and was therefore void under customary law.
“Our Client, the Adapati community, or any lawful traditional authority were never consulted, invited, or involved prior to the purported ceding or opening of Adapati communal land to Fulani herdsmen for grazing purposes,” the statement stated.
The land in dispute is customary community land that the Clan Head holds in trust for the people. Any alleged arrangement that affects such land without the proprietors’ knowledge, involvement, or approval is void and has no legal significance.
According to the firm, there have been several violations of the agreement, including the destruction of indigenous homes and farmlands, grazing outside of Adapati Island into neighboring community grounds, 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 force on May 22, 2017, adds to the debate.
Important clauses include: Section 5: requires a gubernatorial permit for grazing; Adapati does not have one.
Outside of specified farms, nomadic herding is prohibited by Section 19.
The clan’s attorneys have legally requested:
“The January 6, 2017 agreement is immediately void.”
“All grazing operations must immediately cease, and herders, cattle, and unauthorized structures must be removed from Adapati land.” 30 days to provide written certification of compliance.
“Farmers and residents of Adapati and surrounding towns have suffered significant losses, economic hardship, environmental damage, and insecurity as a result of the illegal grazing practices. The ongoing infringement on their property, possessory, and customary rights is intolerable to our client and his people.
The company cautioned that “failure to comply will trigger legal action and petitions to state authorities.”
Melvin Ejeh, the chairman of Agatu, had earlier ordered all armed herders to leave Agatu towns immediately and terminated the 2017 grazing agreement that allowed herders access to Adapati Island.
He claimed that the deal, which was signed by a prior sole administrator, was not carried out honestly and had detrimental effects on the Agatu people.
