Plateau Local Government Bans Unauthorized Herder Settlements and Farmland Grazing

The Qua’an-Pan Local Government Council in Plateau State has implemented a ban on unauthorized herder settlements and cattle grazing on cultivated farmlands as part of proactive measures to bolster security and maintain regional peace.

The directive was announced by the Executive Chairman of the council, Christopher Manship, during a stakeholders’ meeting in Doemak that brought together traditional rulers and leaders of Miyetti Allah.

According to the administration, the measure is designed to stop criminal elements from infiltrating communities under the guise of pastoral migration. Under the new directive, no herder from outside the local government or state is permitted to settle without the explicit consent of host communities and Miyetti Allah leadership.

Furthermore, the council warned against harboring individuals fleeing from violence or criminal activities elsewhere. Herders have also been strictly cautioned to restrict cattle grazing exclusively to designated reserves and fallow lands, with any violations on cultivated farmlands subject to legal penalties.

The Traditional Council of Chiefs, led by Nda Miskagam Leklat, and the local Miyetti Allah chairman, Alhaji Sai’du, both praised the initiative. They pledged full cooperation to enhance grassroots vigilance, ensure strict adherence to the directive, and preserve stability in the area.