As part of the moves to curtail frequent hostility between farmers and Fulani herdsmen in Plateau State, ‘Operation Safe
Haven’, in charge of security in Plateau and parts of Bauchi states, has banned the movement of cattle and heardsmen after 7:00 p.m. The OPSH Commander, Major-General Tagbo Ude, who stated this at a town hall meeting with community leaders, village heads and the Ardos of Riyom, Barakin Ladi, Jos South and Mangu local government areas of the state in Jos, said the ban covered all its areas of operations as part of efforts to sustain the prevailing peace in Plateau State.
He called on all parties involved to consolidate on the hard earned peace that is already in place, while appealing to them to embrace the peace that had returned to the communities, adding that the people must eschew violence and expose anyone who might want to tinker with the prevailing peace in their communities.
He noted that he was not unaware that one of the challenges facing the internally displaced persons (IDPs), who wish to return to their homes, was the likelihood of their lands being sold or occupied by others, stressing that “If somebody has legitimately acquired his land, it is his, whether he is Berom or Fulani.
“Due to the security challenges, a lot of people have left their homes but many displaced persons now want to return to their homes but their lands have either been sold or are being occupied illegally.
We are however happy that displaced persons in Lomak and Baka in Riyom have returned to their homes,” he said. He said the formation of a joint Berom and Fulani vigilante group in Barkin Ladi was a welcome development that would bring unity and peace, adding that vigilante group had identified bad eggs in various communities within the local government.
He assured that the strategy would be replicated in other communities. The chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breaders Association in the state, Muhammad Nura, on Thursday, said he was happy with the ban on grazing after 7:00 p.m, adding that the group had also banned the use of children to rear cattle.”
