Troops broker peace between Plateau farmers, cattle owner over alleged destruction of farmland

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have facilitated an agreement between farmers and cattle owners in Gero Gyel District, Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State, following a reported case of farmland damage. According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the incident was reported on September 28 when six cattle were found grazing on the affected farmland. On September 29, OPEP troops invited the parties to discuss the matter, aiming to resolve the dispute peacefully.

The agreement stipulated that the cattle, owned by Mr. Yusuf Abubakar, be released to him through the Wakilin Ardo, Abdullahi Shuaibu. Compensation for the estimated farm damage, valued at N1 million, was also settled. Mr. Ilya Solomon, the representative of the farmers, received N750,000, while the remaining N250,000 was agreed to be paid by October 12, 2026.

Makama emphasized that these mediation efforts are part of broader initiatives by security agencies and community stakeholders in Plateau State to avert disputes between farmers and herders from deteriorating into larger communal violence. He stressed that such mediation is crucial for maintaining peace and fostering mutual understanding, thereby strengthening community confidence in security operations within the OPEP area of responsibility.