Military Warns Against Farmer-Herder Violence in Plateau, Assures Communities of Protection
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
The General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (COPEP), Folusho Oyinlola, has assured communities in Plateau State of the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property while warning against any form of violence during the farming season.
The military authority gave the assurance during a stakeholders’ engagement held in Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State, where leaders from Mikang, Langtang North, Langtang South, Qua’an-Pan, and Shendam gathered to discuss strategies for sustaining peace and preventing farmer-herder clashes.
The development was disclosed in a press release issued by Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE and signed by Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, Media Information Officer, on May 27, 2026.
Addressing stakeholders at the event, Major General Oyinlola emphasized that lawful procedures already exist for resolving disputes between farmers and herders, warning residents against taking laws into their own hands.
“The safety of lives and properties of citizens remains our priority,” the Commander assured participants during the engagement themed, “Deepening Stakeholders Collaboration Towards Consolidating On The Security Gains For The Farming Season.”
He cautioned that the military would not tolerate destruction of farmlands, cattle rustling, or any form of violence capable of disrupting peace in the affected communities.
“During this farming season, no life should be lost because of a rustled cattle, nor should any farmland be destroyed by hoodlums,” the GOC warned.
“If anyone is caught in this act, we will not hesitate to deal with the person decisively. We cannot afford to continue to tolerate violence resulting in the loss of lives as a result of farmer-herder conflict,” he added.
Representing the GOC at the event, Senlong Sule said the military was closely monitoring security developments across the area and would respond promptly to early signs of unrest.
According to him, proactive collaboration between security agencies and local communities remains essential in preventing avoidable conflicts.
Also speaking, Rasheed Braimoh, Commander of Sector 9, Operation ENDURING PEACE, stressed that peaceful coexistence was necessary to guarantee agricultural productivity and national development.
He urged both farmers and herders to carry out their legitimate activities without fear or hostility.
The Executive Chairman of Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area, Christopher Wallat, commended the military leadership for the timely intervention, noting that the engagement would help prevent troublemakers from disrupting peace as cultivation activities begin.
Traditional rulers, women leaders, youth representatives, and community stakeholders from the five local government areas also appreciated the military for organising the dialogue, describing it as an opportunity to openly discuss concerns and strengthen peaceful coexistence.
As part of its non-kinetic strategy to promote civil-military relations and support local farmers, Operation ENDURING PEACE distributed fertilizers to farmers across the affected local government areas to boost agricultural activities during the season.
