The Chairman of Agatu Local Government Council and Deputy Chairman of ALGON in Benue State, Hon. Amb. James Melvin Ejeh, on Sunday attended the thanksgiving service of the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr. Mrs. Margaret Ijaguwa Adamu, at ECWA Church, Enugba, Agatu. Immediately after the service, he proceeded on a security patrol across communities in Western Agatu.
Speaking at the thanksgiving service, Hon. Ejeh reaffirmed his commitment to the security and restoration of all displaced communities in Agatu West.
He assured residents that no life would be lost under his watch and that all displaced persons would return to their ancestral homes.
While many residents were in church for Sunday worship, the Chairman embarked on a security assessment tour, stopping at Warri town, where he addressed community members.
He reiterated his resolve as the Chief Security Officer of the local government to ensure that Agatu remains safe and peaceful.
“I will never allow Agatu to be destroyed,” Ejeh said.
“With God on my side and Governor Hyacinth Alia’s support, we have put the necessary measures in place to prevent armed herders from entering Agatu. All displaced communities—Ikpele, Ogwumogbo, Ejima, Okpokpolo, and others—will return to farming and rebuild their lives,” he assured.
He further lauded Governor Alia for his continued support to Agatu, noting that the governor had demonstrated true leadership through developmental projects and strategic appointments benefiting the area.
According to him, new roads jointly awarded by the state government and the local government would commence in Agatu within days.
“If Agatu is destroyed today, it is a shame on me. As long as I remain the Chief Security Officer of Agatu, we are safe. These efforts will help end the killings, reduce hardship, and secure a brighter future for our people,” he said.
During the patrol, the Headman of Warri community, Mr. Salifu Abu, expressed deep appreciation to the Chairman for personally leading the security team—a first in the area. He appealed for continued government support to ensure sustained peace.
“We are grateful for what the Chairman has said and done. The herders have troubled us too much and have killed many of our people. Please tell the authorities that they must do everything possible to make peace reign. We have been enjoying relative peace for a while now, and we want it to continue,” Abu said.
Earlier, at the thanksgiving service, Hon. Ejeh praised Dr. Margaret Adamu for her commitment to service and development in Agatu.
He also welcomed Dr. Ojotu Ojema, the Honourable Member representing Apa/Agatu, who travelled from Abuja to attend the event.
Ejeh pledged continued support for Governor Alia, including backing his second-term bid to consolidate ongoing transformation.
“By the grace of God, Agatu is safe,” he affirmed, warning that the community would not condone any resident collaborating with external forces to destabilize the area.
He also made a generous financial donation to the church, noting that he had grown up with the Adamu family and considered their success a collective achievement.
The security patrol, which covered several communities in Agatu West, further reinforced Hon. Ejeh’s commitment to restoring stability, promoting unity, and ensuring the safe return of displaced families.
Ejeh lauds Gov Alia as he leads security patrol across Western Agatu, honours Margaret Adamu
