A multi-level and multi-sectoral roundtable facilitated by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) has produced key resolutions aimed at addressing farmer-herder conflicts, criminality, and land disputes in Plateau State.
The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the two-day engagement held from April 21 to 22, 2026, at Novel Suites in Jos, bringing together a broad spectrum of stakeholders including government officials, traditional rulers, civil society groups, security agencies, women leaders, and youth representatives.
The roundtable, supported by GIZ under the Peacecore II Project and organized in collaboration with the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, focused on developing actionable strategies and strengthening sustainable peace infrastructure across the state.
Participants at the forum identified a range of interconnected factors driving conflicts in Plateau, including insecurity, land disputes, weak governance structures, and socio-economic challenges.
The communiqué highlighted the growing complexity of security threats such as cattle rustling, kidnapping, illegal mining, and arms trafficking, alongside difficulties in identifying perpetrators, often described as unknown or external actors.
Stakeholders also pointed to weak law enforcement, limited trust between communities and security agencies, and operational challenges posed by difficult terrain as factors undermining effective response to insecurity.
Farmer-herder tensions, they noted, are exacerbated by crop destruction, retaliatory violence, underage grazing, and increasing competition over land and natural resources driven by population growth.
Land-related conflicts, including land grabbing, poor documentation, displacement, and inadequate enforcement of land laws, were also identified as major triggers of violence.
To address these challenges, the roundtable outlined several recommendations, including the need to strengthen security and justice systems through improved collaboration among agencies, enhanced intelligence gathering, and deployment of technology.
Stakeholders also called for sustained dialogue between farmers and herders, the establishment of early warning systems, and the creation of joint platforms for conflict resolution.
On land governance, participants urged authorities to improve land documentation, enforce existing laws, and ensure fair and transparent resettlement processes for displaced communities.
They further advocated for the adoption of modern agricultural and livestock practices, with increased financial and technical support to boost productivity and reduce tensions.
The communiqué emphasized the importance of inclusive governance, recommending the integration of herders into formal security structures and stronger collaboration between government and local communities.
Participants also stressed the need for responsible media practices, urging journalists to adopt conflict-sensitive reporting to curb misinformation and reduce tensions.
Addressing gender and social vulnerabilities was also highlighted as critical, with calls for stronger enforcement of laws against gender-based violence and greater inclusion of women in peacebuilding processes.
Stakeholders reaffirmed their collective commitment to implementing the recommendations and addressing the root causes of conflict in Plateau State.
They also urged government at all levels to act on previous recommendations, strengthen citizen engagement mechanisms, improve population data systems, and facilitate the safe return of displaced persons.
The communiqué concluded with a renewed call for sustained collaboration among all actors to build a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Plateau State.
