Metro Benue Communal Crisis: Egba Youths Expel Ologba, Ekaida, and Edeje Farmers

Egba youths from Agatu LGA in Benue State took action on Saturday, driving away farmers from neighboring communities of Ologba, Ekaida, and Edeje, halting their farming activities for the day. The conflict between Egba and Ologba has persisted for over a decade, primarily centered on the ownership of a fish pond.

Despite extensive efforts by the Benue State and Local Governments, Idoma Area Traditional Council, stakeholders, and security agencies to resolve the ongoing communal crisis, both communities have remained unyielding to proposed solutions.

The recent incident occurred early on Saturday when Egba youths mobilized and forcefully ejected farmers from Ologba, Ekaida, and Edeje who were tending to their farms. The youths seized farming equipment, including sprayers, tanks, chemicals, and phones, belonging to the affected farmers.

Mrs. Omeche from Ekaida, recounting her experience at Obagaji, the Agatu LGA Headquarters, described how she and her family were chased away from their farm by Egba youths, who also targeted other farmers in the area.

Mr. Ngbede Charlie, the Community Volunteer Guards Commander in Agatu LG, condemned the attack on the farmers, particularly women, from Ologba, Ekaida, and Edeje, labeling it as cowardly and reprehensible.

The Egba youths persisted in occupying the farms even after expelling the farmers until military personnel stationed at Obagaji intervened, driving them away.

CSP Danzobe George, the Divisional Police Officer of Agatu LGA, confirmed the altercation but stated that he was awaiting a detailed briefing on the incident.