NEWS RELEASE
Benue State Government Takes Over Lake Agbom, Other Fishing Ponds in Buruku
The Benue State Government has announced the immediate takeover of Lake Agbom and other fishing ponds in Buruku Local Government Area as part of efforts to restore order, promote sustainable practices, and enhance livelihoods in the riverine communities.
The Honourable Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Denis Ter Iyaghigba, made the announcement on Monday during an on-the-spot assessment of disputed fishing ponds in Adi, Buruku LGA.
Lake Agbom is located in Adagbu community within the Adi-Etulo axis.
The visit followed a series of stakeholder engagements aimed at resolving lingering conflicts and addressing reported malpractices in the fishing sector.
Speaking during the exercise, Hon. Iyaghigba reiterated the commitment of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia to restoring sanity in fishing communities across the state.
He noted that several water bodies, once sources of economic stability, had become flashpoints of disputes due to mismanagement and exploitation by unscrupulous elements.
At the palace of the Otse Etulothe the 16th, His Royal Highness Douglas Yobe Onah, the Commissioner formally conveyed the government’s decision to assume full administrative control of the fishing ponds, explaining that the move was necessary to facilitate integrated development that would serve both host communities and individuals who depend on the ponds for their livelihoods.
“The government is determined to ensure that these resources are properly managed for the collective good,” Iyaghigba stated, adding that the takeover would usher in reforms aimed at transparency, equity, and sustainability.
In his speech, the Royal Father lauded the decision of the government and promised his full backing.
Addressing members of the Adi fishing community at the riverbank, the Commissioner expressed appreciation for their role as custodians of the ponds and commended their resilience despite prevailing challenges.
He described his visit as both a sensitisation mission and an opportunity to witness firsthand the fishing activities in the area.
Hon. Iyaghigba, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the level of malpractice observed in the management of the ponds, warning that such practices would no longer be tolerated under government oversight.
He assured the community that the state would not abandon them, even as it assumes control of the resources.
He emphasised that the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy would soon roll out programmes, projects, and interventions designed to improve the socio-economic conditions of fishing communities. These initiatives, he said, would include capacity building, improved infrastructure, and the introduction of modern fishing techniques.
He further appealed to residents to cooperate with government officials, stressing the need for cordial working relationships to ensure the success of the new policy direction.
In his response, community leader, Abraham Yange Gasele, lauded the decision, noting that it has rekindled hope among residents. He expressed confidence in the administration of Governor Alia and pledged the community’s support for the initiative.
Similarly, the Divisional Fisheries Officer for Buruku LGA, Mr. Paul Apaki, welcomed the development, stating that local fishermen had long suffered at the hands of exploitative actors. He described the government’s intervention as timely and necessary to protect the interests of genuine stakeholders.
The takeover marks a significant step in the state government’s broader strategy to reposition the marine and blue economy sector as a viable driver of growth and rural development in Benue State.
Signed:
Lubem Gena, FIIM
Head of Media, Publicity and Orientation
08064453683
Tuesday, 24th March, 2026.
