Troops Intervene in Farmer-Herder Dispute Over Alleged Farmland Destruction in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have intervened in a dispute between a farmer and a cattle owner following the alleged destruction of a farmland in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, responded to a report at about 3:30 p.m. on June 18 regarding the destruction of a farm belonging to Mr Chika Isaac at Zarazong Village in Jos East LGA.
According to the sources, the damage was allegedly caused by cattle belonging to one Malam Madaki Abdul, whose herd reportedly strayed into the farmland.
Upon receiving the report, troops promptly deployed to the community to assess the situation and prevent any possible breakdown of law and order.
The security personnel engaged both parties and initiated dialogue aimed at resolving the matter peacefully.
A security source disclosed that rather than allowing the dispute to escalate into a wider communal conflict, troops facilitated an amicable settlement process involving the affected farmer and the cattle owner.
“The intervention was aimed at de-escalating tensions and promoting peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders within the community,” the source said.
Military authorities noted that farmer-herder disputes arising from crop damage and grazing activities remain among the recurring security challenges in parts of Plateau State.
They stressed the importance of dialogue, mutual understanding and adherence to established conflict-resolution mechanisms in addressing such incidents.
Operation Enduring Peace reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and stability across its Joint Operations Area through both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches.
The authorities also urged community members to promptly report disputes to relevant authorities and avoid taking actions that could trigger violence or reprisals.
The situation in the area remained calm, while efforts to achieve a mutually acceptable resolution between the parties continued.
