By Aminu Adamu
Agatu, Benue State
Tension is mounting in Agatu Local Government Area following a controversial judgment by the Benue State Local Government Elections Petition Tribunal, which nullified the election of Hon. Melvin James Ejeh as Chairman and declared Napoleon Otache the duly elected occupant of the seat.
The ruling, delivered in early April, has stirred a wave of disappointment among local residents and peace advocates who credit Hon. Ejeh with spearheading a remarkable reconciliation effort between the Agatu and Fulani communities—a conflict that left thousands dead and displaced over the years.
In an open letter titled “Dear People of Conscience,” the Agatu Youth Stakeholders Forum, led by its president Umar Sheriff Mohammed, expressed profound dismay over the tribunal’s decision, calling it “a total miscarriage of justice.” The group warned that the judgment risks undoing the fragile peace painstakingly achieved under Hon. Ejeh’s tenure.
A Turning Point in Agatu’s History
The letter recounts a significant moment in January 2025, when Fulani and Agatu tribal leaders, under Hon. Ejeh’s facilitation, came together to declare an end to decades of hostilities. This breakthrough led to unprecedented public apologies from Fulani representatives and commitments to peaceful coexistence, with many displaced families finally returning home.
“Hon. Melvin worked tirelessly alongside religious leaders and community stakeholders to bring both sides to the table,” the statement reads. “His leadership ushered in a period of forgiveness, disarmament, and dialogue that was once thought impossible.”
Concerns Over Peace Stability
Critics of the tribunal’s ruling argue that the decision may jeopardize this progress. The letter suggests that the move may have political undertones intended to destabilize the delicate balance in Agatu. Hon. Ejeh has vowed to challenge the verdict, stating that he remains committed to defending the people’s mandate.
“This is not just about an election,” Sheriff Mohammed emphasized. “It is about sustaining the hope of peaceful coexistence and development in one of Benue’s most traumatized regions.”
A Plea for Vigilance and Unity
The Agatu Youth Stakeholders Forum is calling on traditional rulers, civil society organizations, and the general public to remain united and vigilant. The letter frames the situation in Agatu as a national example of conflict resolution and urges that political decisions do not derail hard-won gains.
“The peace achieved in Agatu is a beacon of hope for conflict resolution across Nigeria,” it says. “Let us stand firm in defense of leaders who promote reconciliation and unity.”
Looking Ahead
As Hon. Ejeh prepares to appeal the tribunal’s decision, all eyes remain on the judiciary. The Forum’s statement concludes with a call for justice, not just in the letter of the law but in the spirit of lasting peace and development.
“The judiciary must weigh not just the legal arguments, but the broader consequences for peace and grassroots governance,” it states. “Only then can true justice be served in Agatu.”
The case has ignited conversations across Benue and beyond about the intersection of politics, justice, and peacebuilding—and whether one man’s vision for reconciliation will withstand the storms of partisan interests.
