Plateau LGA Bans Unauthorised Herders’ Settlements, Warns Against Grazing On Farmlands

The Qua’an-Pan local government council of Plateau State has banned the settlement of unauthorised herders migrating into the area and warned against grazing of cattle on farmlands as part of measures to strengthen security and promote peaceful coexistence among residents.

The directive was announced by the chairman of the council, Dr Christopher Audu Manship, yesterday during a stakeholders’ meeting with traditional rulers and leaders of Miyetti Allah at the Felix Dakyap Guest House, Doemak.

A statement signed by the director of Press to the chairman,  Mr Danaan Cletus Sylvanus, said the chairman declared that the council would no longer tolerate the influx and settlement of herders migrating into Qua’an-Pan from other states or local government areas without the knowledge and consent of host communities, particularly the indigenous people and the leadership of Miyetti Allah.

According to Manship, the measure is aimed at preventing criminal elements from infiltrating the local government under the guise of pastoral migration and preserving the peace currently enjoyed in the area.

He urged members of the herders community not to harbour or accommodate individuals fleeing from other locations after allegedly engaging in criminal activities or acts of violence.

The chairman also warned that any herder found grazing cattle on cultivated farmland would be held accountable under the law, urging pastoralists to restrict grazing to designated grazing reserves and fallow lands.

Manship reiterated the council’s commitment to fostering peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders through dialogue, mutual respect and strict adherence to the law.

Speaking at the meeting, the Long Pan and Chairman of the Qua’an-Pan Traditional Council, His Royal Highness Nda Miskagam Jerom Leklat, commended the council chairman for what he described as a proactive approach to addressing security concerns in the area.

The royal father urged traditional rulers and community leaders to intensify grassroots sensitisation and to promptly report suspicious movements or attempts by unauthorised persons to settle in their communities.

He also assured the council of the Traditional Council’s continued support in strengthening vigilance across the local government to ensure that criminal elements do not find refuge in any community.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Miyetti Allah in Qua’an-Pan, Alhaji Sai’du, commended the council for its inclusive approach to addressing security challenges and pledged the association’s full cooperation.

He said Miyetti Allah would strengthen internal coordination to ensure that Fulani settlers comply with the directives of the local government and security agencies while preventing the influx of persons with questionable backgrounds whose activities could undermine peace and stability.

Sai’du also commended the council chairman for his proactive handling of security challenges, noting that his administration had facilitated the rescue of several Fulani victims from kidnappers.

He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote peace, security and harmonious coexistence among all residents of Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area.