Stakeholders in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State have commended recent security gains while raising fresh concerns over night grazing, illegal mining and cattle influx as the community prepares for the 2026 farming season.
The issues were discussed on Thursday, February 12 at Gwol Hotel in Barkin Ladi, during a town hall meeting convened by the Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace, as part of efforts to consolidate security gains recorded during the yuletide season and strengthen non-kinetic strategies for peaceful coexistence.
Addressing participants, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Major General EF Oyinlola, described the engagement as a strategic necessity in the collective pursuit of sustainable peace, security and development in Barkin Ladi and Plateau State at large.
He commended residents for their commitment to peaceful coexistence, noting a noticeable decline in violent incidents in recent months.
“The relative calm did not happen by chance. It is the product of sustained dialogue, deliberate conflict mitigation efforts and community cooperation,” he said.
However, the GOC expressed concern over emerging threats, particularly attacks on miners at mining sites and the increasing influx of cattle into farming communities. While acknowledging that livestock movement is not unusual, he said the scale and timing of the movement raise legitimate security concerns.
“These developments have already led to destruction of farmlands, isolated attacks and reprisals against livestock. The implications for food security, economic stability and social cohesion cannot be overemphasised,” he warned.
He disclosed that the Chief of Defence Staff has approved the distribution of fertilizers to stakeholders across divides as a non-kinetic intervention to encourage farming activities. He also revealed that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved the deployment of a Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion, an elite Special Forces unit, to Plateau State to reinforce ongoing stabilisation efforts.
Major General Oyinlola stressed the need to strengthen community-based conflict resolution mechanisms, urging traditional, religious and community leaders to remain at the forefront of dialogue and mediation.
He reiterated that night grazing remains banned and warned that violators would face sanctions, including arrest and stiff penalties. He also called for enhanced early warning systems and responsible media reportage to prevent escalation of tensions.
On illegal mining, the GOC described it as a major concern, particularly mining activities conducted at night. He noted that recent killings at mining sites occurred during illegal operations and emphasised that security agencies would not provide protection for criminal activities.
He also decried the growing involvement of youths in illegal mining, drug abuse and substance misuse, warning of long-term social and health consequences if urgent measures are not taken.
“We must save our youth. Quick money from illegal mining is destroying farmlands, education and the future of our young people,” he said, urging parents and leaders to prioritise education and sensitisation.
Traditional rulers from Gwol, Hiepang, Foron, Fan, Ibas and Gashish communities called for a separate meeting involving only traditional leaders to deepen discussions on conflict resolution. They advocated regulation of cattle movement, establishment of buffer zones, profiling of visitors and herders, and greater youth involvement in community intelligence gathering.
They also called for the regulation and modernisation of mining activities to curb criminality and environmental degradation.
The Fulani leader in Barkin Ladi, Ardo Abubakar Tanko Abdullahi, welcomed the peace achieved so far but raised concerns over persistent cattle rustling, recounting an incident where 96 cows were allegedly stolen.
Former Deputy Chairman of Barkin Ladi LGA, Hon. Rose Chollom, described the dialogue as timely, stressing that while mining contributes to livelihoods, the abuse of illicit substances among youths has worsened insecurity. She called for harmonisation and proper regulation of mining activities.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Barkin Ladi LGA, Hon. Stephen Pwajok, appreciated the Defence Headquarters for approving fertilizer distribution, describing Barkin Ladi as a major agricultural hub known for Irish potatoes, yam and other produce that supply cities such as Lagos and Abuja.
He emphasised the need to protect farmlands from destruction and ensure due process in land occupation, warning against illegal settlement and encroachment. Pwajok also commended security agencies, particularly Sector Four and Forward Operating Base Gashish, for their rapid response to criminal incidents and increased patrols in flashpoints.
While rounding up the meeting, Major General Oyinlola acknowledged that although isolated incidents still occur, security has improved significantly over the past year.
“We are not where we want to be, but we are not where we used to be,” he said, urging residents to sustain dialogue and community cooperation.
He recommended biometric profiling of migrant herders and visitors to enhance accountability and called for strict enforcement of the ban on night grazing and illicit alcohol sales. He further encouraged regular quarterly stakeholder engagements to sustain communication and prevent crises.
The GOC concluded by urging residents to report suspicious activities through designated security hotlines, stressing that security remains a shared responsibility.
The town hall meeting ended with renewed commitments from stakeholders to work collaboratively with security agencies to ensure a peaceful and productive farming season in Barkin Ladi.
A presentation of bags of fertilizers was also made by GOC to stakeholders and community representatives.
