Africa-Press – Nigeria. The Member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on National Inland Waterways, Chief Hon. Pastor Ojotu Ojema, has warned that meaningful and sustainable development will remain unattainable in Agatu Local Government Area without lasting peace and security.
Ojema gave the warning on Monday, December 29, 2025, while speaking as the guest speaker at the Agatu Peace and Unity Festival held in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
Delivering a lecture titled “The Place of Peace in Sociopolitical Development,” the federal lawmaker expressed concern that insecurity has continued to plague Agatu despite efforts by leaders to restore calm, condemning individuals who benefit from conflict and work against peace.
“Our land has been engulfed by war for too long, from both internal and external aggressions. We have tried as leaders, yet the carnage continues,” Ojema said.
He identified intolerance, hatred, envy, jealousy, lack of love and unity as major drivers of insecurity in the area, stressing that no society can thrive amid rancour and division.
Ojema called on residents to embrace forgiveness and reconciliation, noting that peace must start with individuals.
“No society can grow meaningfully without peace and security. They are the engines of development,” he added.
The lawmaker urged the people of Agatu to support Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, for ongoing projects in the local government area and appealed for bloc votes for President Bola Tinubu, Governor Alia and himself in the 2027 general elections to enable them to continue their development agenda.
In his remarks, the Paramount Ruler of the Idoma Kingdom, the Och’Idoma, HRM Agaba’Idu Chief Dr. Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John, CON, lamented that while many sons and daughters of Agatu are committed to peace, a few individuals continue to undermine progress. He invoked traditional curses against anyone fomenting insecurity in Agatu.
Religious leaders, including the General Overseer of Glory of His Majesty International Church, Evangelist Michael Ewache, and Sheikh Haruna of the Central Mosque, Makurdi, offered prayers and prophetic declarations for a permanent end to violence in the area.
The Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Hon. Amb. James Melvin Ejeh, announced that the Peace and Unity Festival would now be held annually in Obagaji, the council headquarters.
He also warned that any traditional ruler found instigating insecurity would be arrested and have his salary withdrawn.
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