Troops broker peace between Plateau farmers, cattle owner over alleged destruction of farmland
Amicable Settlement Reached in Plateau State Dispute Between Farmers and Cattle Owners
OLINGO, Plateau State — Troops from Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) facilitated an amicable settlement on September 29 between local farmers and cattle owners in Gero Gyel District, Jos South Local Government Area, following a reported case of farmland destruction.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama reported that the dispute arose on September 28 when six cattle were found grazing on the affected farmland. In response to the incident, troops from Sector 6 of OPEP organized a dialogue session at 3:30 p.m. to seek a peaceful resolution.
As part of the agreement, the cattle were to be returned to their owner, identified as Mr. Yusuf Abubakar, through the representative, Wakilin Ardo Abdullahi Shuaibu. The parties also reached an understanding regarding compensation for damages to the farmland, which were assessed at 1 million naira.
According to Makama, an initial payment of 750,000 naira was made to the farmers’ representative, Mr. Ilya Solomon, while the remaining 250,000 naira is scheduled to be paid by October 12, 2026.
This intervention reflects ongoing efforts by security agencies and community stakeholders in Plateau State to mitigate disputes between farmers and herders, thereby preventing them from escalating into broader communal violence. Makama emphasized the importance of such mediations in maintaining peace and enhancing community trust in security operations throughout the OPEP jurisdiction.
