Some residents of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area Plateau have said that the influx of cattle into the locality before the farming season is not a unusual situation.


Some of the residents, who spoke to Newsmen were reacting to a media report making the rounds that where the military raises alarm over influx of cattle into Plateau state.

Recalled that a media report misquoting Maj.-Gen. Folusho Oyinlola, the Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) and General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army Rukuba during a stakeholder engagement in Barkin Ladi.

The media report said that the Commander said that the influx of cattle into Plateau was responsible for rising tension in some parts of the state.

Rev. Luka Malak, the Vice Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), maintained that the statement of the commander was quoted out of context.

"The message that the GOC brought was very clear and understood by everyone.

"The issue of influx of cattles, it's a usual thing that used to happen every year before the farming season comes. 

"But the message that he brought is, as the season is coming for farming, let us keep watch over our cattles and let farmers farm with their hearts open,"he said.

On his part, Alhaj Ishaq Isa, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) in Barkin Ladi, praised the army’s approach towards achieving lasting peace in the locality.

“The GOC came purposely to promote peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders. 

"He advised us not to take the law into our hands and called for collaboration among all residents. 

"He also raised issues such as illegal mining, drug peddling, and night grazing—which have all been banned by the state government,” Isa said.

Isa also revealed that the GOC had advised the LGA Chairman to establish a biometric registration system to monitor the movement and residence of both citizens and migrants, in order to preempt security challenges.

Alhaji Tambari Gizo, Deputy Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Barkin Ladi, welcomed the GOC’s message and acknowledged recent security breaches, including the killings of Fulani community members.

"The engagement was a welcome initiative.

"The GOC addressed the need for a biometric database to monitor newcomers, which is crucial. 

"He is a man committed to peace, and we must support him,” Gizo stated.

He emphasised that both communities—farmers and herders—have suffered losses and must work together to prevent further violence.