A member of the Benue State House of Assembly representing Agatu State Constituency, Godwin Edoh, has warned that persistent insecurity could hinder the conduct of the 2027 general elections in Agatu Local Government Area if urgent action is not taken.
Edoh raised the concern while speaking with journalists in Makurdi on Monday, lamenting the continued attacks in the area, which he said have displaced residents and crippled normal life.
The lawmaker noted that many communities in the local government have been abandoned over the past four years due to repeated attacks by suspected herdsmen. He disclosed that despite the deployment of security personnel, including Air Force operatives, soldiers, police, and Civil Defence corps, residents of hinterland communities have fled to Obagaji, the council headquarters.
According to him, the deserted villages have left locals unable to sustain their primary means of livelihood, particularly farming and fishing. He warned that the ongoing situation poses a serious threat to electoral activities, as several affected areas are currently inaccessible.
Edoh also decried the destruction of key infrastructure, including schools, markets, and primary healthcare centres, in the affected communities.
He, however, commended the directive issued by the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, ordering security agencies to dislodge criminal elements from the forests. He expressed hope that effective implementation of the directive would restore peace and enable displaced residents to return home.
The lawmaker further urged both federal and state governments to include Agatu in ongoing housing programmes for internally displaced persons (IDPs), to support victims in rebuilding their lives.
His appeal comes weeks after hundreds of displaced persons in Obagaji staged a protest over prolonged displacement and their inability to return to their homes and farmlands. The protesters called on authorities to intensify efforts to restore security and facilitate their return.
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