…ECWA Cries Out Over Fresh Killings in Kaduna, Plateau
The Chairman of Agatu local government area in Benue State, James Ejeh, has given Fulani herdsmen 48 hours to vacate all farmlands in the area to allow farmers to prepare for the planting season without fear.
Ejeh issued the ultimatum on Saturday during a stakeholders’ meeting at the council secretariat in Obagaji that brought traditional rulers, Fulani community leaders, youth groups, and security officials together to find a peaceful path forward.
Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Obochi Solomon, said the council boss made it clear that farming must be protected at all costs, describing agriculture as the heartbeat of Agatu’s economy.
“Our farmers must cultivate without disruption. We will do everything necessary to create a safe environment for them,” Ejeh said in a statement after the meeting.
While commending the relative peace currently enjoyed in Agatu, Ejeh stressed that ensuring farmers can return to their fields safely was non-negotiable.
During the meeting, the leader of the Fulani community, the Ado of the Fulani, appealed for a one-week grace period to allow herders to prepare for relocation, and the council granted the request.
The General Youth Chairman of Agatu, Oloche Silas, also pledged the support of the youths for a peaceful evacuation process, assuring there would be no violence.
Security agencies present at the meeting commended the peaceful manner of the engagement and promised to provide necessary support to ensure a smooth relocation.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional council, Chief John Agidani, representing the Och’Agatu, praised the Council Chairman’s leadership and urged all sides to keep to the agreement for the sake of peace.
Meanwhile, in Jos, the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) has raised an alarm over worsening violence, kidnappings and killings in Kaduna and Plateau states, warning that the situation is spiralling out of control.
Speaking at a press conference, ECWA General Secretary, Rev. Ayuba Asheshe, revealed that the Church had spent over ₦300 million in ransom payments, yet more than 50 of its members were still being held captive.
“In Kaduna State, the Kwa sam DCC in Kauru Local Council has faced relentless attacks, leading to the loss of over 20 lives and the abduction of more than 100 individuals, including church members,” Asheshe said. “Despite enormous financial efforts, the crisis persists, crippling farming activities and threatening food security.”
He described the attacks as deliberate assaults on predominantly Christian communities, pointing to a recent incident in Hurti village, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, where more than 40 people, including two pastors, were killed and over 240 houses razed to the ground.
Asheshe also highlighted fresh attacks in Zike and Kimakpa communities in Bassa LGA, where over 50 lives were lost on April 14 alone.
Calling for urgent action, he urged all levels of government and stakeholders to develop and implement effective strategies to end the cycle of violence. He warned that if left unchecked, Nigeria’s food security and social stability could suffer devastating consequences.
