Lawmaker: ‘None of Fulani Attackers ever Arrested or Prosecuted’
Residents Condemn Youth Leader’s Arrest
By Ekani Olikita
Makurdi—Pastor Ojotu Ojema, Nigerian Congressman representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency, has raised alarm over a shocking disappearance of Agatu Youth Leader, Silas Oloche Iduh.
He has also condemned the alleged torturing of the Youth Leader who was whisked away in the early hours of November 2, 2025, by men suspected to be operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Silas was taken from his residence in Obagaji, the Agatu County Headquarters at about 1:50 a.m, according to eyewitness accounts. His family and community members say they have yet to receive any official explanation for his arrest or whereabouts.
Background: Agatu and a Decade of Deadly Attacks
Agatu, an agrarian and predominantly Christian county—with an estimated 98% Christian population, mostly Catholics—lies about 51 miles southwest of Makurdi, Benue State, only separated from Nasarawa to the North by River Benue and shares boundary with Kogi State to the West. Since 2013, the county has suffered continuous attacks attributed to Fulani Ethnic Militia (FEM) from neighboring Nasarawa and Kogi States, across the River Benue.
Local leaders and international observers have previously described the violence as a campaign of Ethno-religious cleansing, with reports of over 15,000 people killed, countless homes burnt and vast farmlands occupied by armed militias.
Agatu communities claim that while attackers operate with impunity, youths attempting to defend their villages are routinely targeted by security agencies.
Lawmaker Raises Alarm in Parliament
Presenting a motion of urgent national importance at the House of Representatives on Thursday November 27, 2025, Rep. Ojema condemned Silas’s arrest, describing it as part of a broader pattern of injustice toward Agatu residents.
“As I am talking to you, Agatu Youth Leader, Silas Oloche, is languishing in an unknown DSS cell. He was taken away from his family for an offence we are yet to be briefed on, while those kidnapping and killing our people roam free with sophisticated weapons. None of them has been arrested,” Ojema said.
He warned that selective justice was fueling insecurity across Nigeria.
“None of the Fulani Ethnic Militia killing our people since 2013 has been arrested or prosecuted, yet our people—especially the youths—are detained whenever they try to defend their communities. Some citizens appear to be above the law, others within the law, while many are below it,” he added.
Allegations of Torture
In an interview with TruthNigeria, Ojema expressed deep concern about Silas’s condition.
“We just received information that his limbs have been broken. Until our law is just and fair to all Nigerians equally, insecurity will continue to linger,” the lawmaker said.
Family members and local leaders say Silas has not been allowed access to legal representation or medical care since the arrest.
Residents Condemn Arrest, Question Security Agencies
The arrest has sparked outrage in Agatu, where residents accuse security agencies of ignoring repeated militia attacks while aggressively targeting community defenders.
‘Security only acts when youths defend themselves’—Resident
Gideon Ademu, a resident of the attack-prone Egwuma community, condemned what he described as deliberate security neglect.
“To know if our military is strong is when our people take up arms to defend their communities. They will quickly come and arrest them, but you will never see them when Fulani terrorists are attacking us. The arrest of our Youth Leader is a typical example,” Ademu said.
‘Arrest a rude shock’—Community Elder
Stephen Saleh, Obagaji resident narrated to Truthnigeria how the arrest unfolded:
“It was around 2 a.m. when they came. We heard cries from his house but were too afraid to come out. By morning, we learned he had been beaten and taken away by the same security men who have never arrested any of our attackers since 2023. Up till now, we don’t know where he is. It is shocking to all of us”, he said
Security Experts Condemn DSS Action
Security analysts say the arrest reinforces a long-standing perception of bias in Nigeria’s security operations in the Middle Belt. Critics argue that the failure to apprehend or prosecute those behind the killings in Agatu emboldens further violence.
Daniel Isah, a retired Naval Officer, criticized the continued silence of federal authorities.
“It is alarming that while mass killings and land seizures continue in Agatu, the state responds more swiftly against local youths than against armed militias. This pattern undermines trust in security institutions, he told Truthnigeria.”
Daniel added that the detention of community leaders without transparency or due process risks escalating tensions and eroding cooperation between residents and security agencies.
Growing Fear and Calls for Intervention
Agatu communities say the arrest has heightened fear, especially as attacks in border villages intensify. Many residents believe Silas’s detention is intended to intimidate youth leaders and deter community self-defence initiatives amid recurring invasions.
Civil society groups in Benue have called for:
. Immediate disclosure of Silas Oloche’s location
. Access to medical care and legal representation
* A transparent investigation into allegations of torture
* Impartial action against armed militias responsible for killings, kidnappings, and land occupation
* Implementation of community-based security structures to protect vulnerable villages
Awaiting Official Response
As of publication, the DSS has not issued any statement regarding Silas’s arrest, the allegations of torture, or the legality of his continued detention.
Federal lawmakers from Benue have pledged to continue pressing for accountability, warning that the government risks worsening the security crisis if community grievances are ignored.
For Agatu residents, the unanswered question remains: Why was a community Youth leader taken without explanation while attackers remain untouched?
The search for answers continues.
Ekani Olikita, a Conflict Reporter for Truthnigeria.
