Herdsmen Agree to Pay ₦1 Million Compensation After Farmland Destruction in Plateau State
By: Zagazola Makama
A dispute over farmland destruction in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State has been resolved following the intervention of security operatives and community stakeholders, with herders agreeing to pay ₦1 million compensation to affected farmers.
Security sources said troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), Sector 6, responded on June 16 at about 12:00 p.m. to reports of destruction of farmlands belonging to Mr. Nyip Yakubu Badung and 10 other farmers in Sopp Village.
Upon arrival at the scene, troops reportedly discovered that herds of cattle had strayed into the farms, causing extensive damage to crops belonging to the affected residents.
Following the development, security personnel facilitated a peace meeting between representatives of the farmers and herder leaders in the area to prevent escalation of tensions.
At the end of the engagement, both parties agreed on a compensation sum of ₦1 million to be paid to the affected farmers through the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) Chairman in Riyom Local Government Area.
Security sources said the agreement was reached to prevent possible reprisals and maintain peace in the community.
Authorities noted that the situation in the area has been brought under control, while dialogue between both parties is ongoing to sustain peaceful coexistence.
