Army Engages Plateau Community, Miyetti Allah Over Farmers/Herders Crisis

The Nigerian Army has engaged critical stakeholders in Bokkos Local Government Area and Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) to foster peace and security in Plateau State.

The Army disclosed this in a statement, signed by its Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Major Aliyu Danja on Wednesday.

The 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) noted that the engagement which took place on Tuesday involved stakeholders from Butura Community and the new leadership of the MACBAN in the state.

The meeting, according to the Army, was pertinent to address the ongoing farmers/herders conflicts in the State and to promote peaceful resolutions.

During the engagement, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander of OPSH, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar urged the Butura Community to continue collaborating with security agencies to resolve conflicts peacefully.

The District Head of Butura, Dr John Makwal, on his part expressed gratitude for the military’s ongoing efforts to restore security in the area.

He, however, called for enhanced security in vulnerable villages and proposed the establishment of a military-civil relations committee to foster better cooperation in managing disputes as the harvest season approaches.

In response, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar assured the community of the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

He welcomed the idea of a civil-military relations committee, emphasising its potential to improve coverage in areas lacking security presence.

The GOC encouraged community members to report security concerns through the new toll-free line for prompt action.

In a separate discussion, the newly elected executives of MACBAN, led by its Chairman Ibrahim Yusuf, reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating with the Nigerian Army to achieve lasting peace between farmers and herders.

Ibrahim commended the military for its proactive approach to security and conflict resolution, acknowledging its pivotal role in maintaining peace in the region.

Maj.- Gen. Abubakar further recognised the significance of addressing cattle-related conflicts, urging the new leadership to promote peace and address issues such as underage grazing and night herding.

He stressed the importance of engaging with herders to discourage actions that could lead to violence and property destruction.