03/05/2026
PETITION FOR THE IMMEDIATE WITHDRAWAL OF OPERATION WHIRL STROKE PERSONNEL FROM AGATU LGA OVER ALLEGED COMPROMISE, INEFFICIENCY, AND FAILURE TO ACT ON INTELLIGENCE*
*To:*
Major General Moses Gara
Commandant, Operation Whirl Stroke
Nigerian Military
Makurdi, Benue State
*From:*
Agatu Indigenous Youth Association (AIYA)
Agatu Local Government Area, Benue State
May 3, 2026
*Subject: PETITION FOR IMMEDIATE WITHDRAWAL OF MILITARY PERSONNEL FROM AGATU LGA AND REPLACEMENT WITH MOBILE POLICE DUE TO LOSS OF PUBLIC TRUST*
Sir,
We, the Agatu Indigenous Youth Association (AIYA), acting as the voice of the Agatu people, hereby submit this petition demanding the immediate withdrawal of all Operation Whirl Stroke personnel currently stationed in Agatu Local Government Area. This demand is premised on our strong suspicion of compromise and gross inefficiency observed in the conduct of the military, particularly under the command of Major Musa Okposhi, the Agatu Unit Commander.
Our people no longer feel safe under the protection of the military, and we have lost total trust in their ability and willingness to secure our lives and property. We fear that we may wake up one day and be killed by the same people we believe are protecting us.
*GROUNDS FOR THIS PETITION:*
1. *Insubordination*: The military commander in Agatu, Major Musa Okposhi, does not take instructions from the superior person in charge of the security apparatus in the local government.
2. *Lack of Proactiveness*: He is neither proactive nor responsive when there are credible security threats to our communities.
3. *Unprofessional Temperament*: He is prone to anger over minor issues. Such an attitude is dangerous for an officer in whose hands the safety of the masses lies.
4. *Disregard for Duty*: He does what he feels is best for himself and not what is necessary for the safety of the people he is saddled with the responsibility to protect.
5. *No Routine Patrols*: There are no security patrols, except when contacted. When contacted, personnel allegedly start demanding for fueling, and even when fuel is provided, they move to the affected area at their own will and time.
6. *Intimidation of Youths*: There are alleged cases of intimidating community youths when they raise issues against insecurity and military inefficiencies, instead of using them as intelligence channels.
7. *Apparent Bias*: There is obvious non-support to the community. Personnel are only active when the community touches a cow, but do nothing when the community members are being killed by the same armed men.
8. *Failure to Act on Intelligence – Odugbeho Killings*: On May 2, 2026, actionable intelligence of a possible attack on Odugbeho community was given to the military. Yet there was no security presence deployed, and 4 persons were killed in that attack. This has become a routine story we have had over time.
9. *Abandonment During Olegabulu Attack*: Last week, Olegabulu community was attacked without any single effort from the military to rescue victims, despite having military personnel stationed in our community for the purpose of protection.
*OUR DEMANDS:*
1. We therefore demand the immediate withdrawal of your men from the entire Agatu LGA with immediate effect. The Agatu people feel threatened having the military as our defense.
2. We request the relevant authorities to immediately facilitate the deployment of Mobile Police officers to Agatu to replace the military. We recall that between 2013/2017 when Mobile Police were stationed in our area, our people were more secure. Our insecurity became more intense following the deployment of military to our zone, and we suspect compromise at its peak now.
3. We demand that the Mobile Police Commander to be deployed to Agatu should be a person who understands our language and the security dynamics of our terrain. We cannot afford a repeat of what we have experienced with the military.
This request demands immediate attention to prevent further loss of lives and restore confidence in the security architecture of Agatu LGA.
Thank you for your anticipated swift action.
*Signed:*
Comr Ochokwunu Daniel Edor
Convener/Interim National President
Agatu Indigenous Youth Association (AIYA)
_The voice of the Agatu people_
*CC:*
1. HRM Agabaidu, John Elaigwu Odogbo, Och’Idoma IV
2. Comrade Abba Moro, Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District (Zone C)
3. Hon. Ojotu Ojema, Member, House of Representatives, Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency
4. Hon. Godwin Abuh Edor, Member, Benue State House of Assembly, Agatu State Constituency
5. HRH Chief Godwin Onah, Och’Agatu
6. Hon. James Melvin Ejeh, Chairman, Agatu Local Government Council
