Herders pay N4.5m compensation to farmers in Plateau

Herders have recently paid N4.5 million in compensation to 38 farmers in Dambwash, Danbukor, and Fokko villages, located in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State. Acting Ardo of the area, Isa Shiga Dajji, explained that this payment was made to foster mutual understanding and serve as a deterrent against future conflicts.

He emphasized that maintaining peace necessitates peaceful resolution of disputes. The compensation was paid in installments, with the latest installment being the final one. Acting Ardo urged both parties to maintain tranquility and coexist harmoniously. Following the destruction of the farms on August 16, 2026, community members swiftly identified and compelled the perpetrators to pay the compensation.

The agreement for this settlement was reached on August 19, 2026. Troops from Sector 5, Operation Enduring Peace, Bokkos, facilitated a peaceful settlement on September 12, 2026, involving all parties including the Ardo of Tarangol District. The herders fulfilled their end of the bargain by paying the compensation, and the military confirmed that the settlement concluded without any incidents.

This incident underscores the importance of community-based conflict resolution in averting escalations between farming and herding communities, which could lead to violence and loss of lives and livestock. Security forces have consistently encouraged affected communities to seek peaceful resolutions and refrain from engaging in reprisal attacks or taking matters into their own hands, as these actions could exacerbate tensions.