A temporary truce has been struck between the Plateau State
Government and protesters of the grazing reserve policy – leading to the
calling off of the protest for a week.
The truce was struck following an invitation of the protest leader Hon. Dachung Bagos by security agencies this morning.
It was reliably gathered that discussion between the security
agencies, Hon. Bagos and the Government’s representative Mr. Joseph
Lengmang led to the agreement that the protest be shelved for a week,
whilst consultation and engagement of stakeholders commences.
Storming the protest venue after the invitation/discussions this
morning, Hon. Bagos in the company of the State Commissioner of Police –
Mr. Adekunle Oladunjoye, the Director of the State Security Service
(SSS) – Mr. Mohammed Waziri, the Government’s representative – Mr.
Joseph Lengmang addressed the protesters, calling for understanding,
restraint and dialogue.
Speaking, Hon. Bagos read his communique stipulating the reasons of
the protest and their prayers for government, whilst Mr Lengmang read
out the government’s position – calling for dialogue whilst conceding
that engagement with stakeholders will commence immediately.
In the end, it was decided that a period of one week will be used for
stakeholder engagement with youths, traditional rulers, key principals
and interest groups. Failing that, the youth have promised that the protest will be kick started.
