Fresh Crisis Looms in Plateau as Farmlands Are Razed, Cattle Slaughtered

Fresh Crisis Looms in Plateau as Farmlands Are Razed, Cattle Slaughtered.

Fresh tension is building in parts of Plateau State following the destruction of farmlands and the killing of cattle in several communities in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, prompting swift reactions from security authorities amid fears of renewed violence.

The Plateau State Police Command on Wednesday strongly condemned the incidents, describing them as dangerous provocations capable of threatening the fragile peace in the area.

The affected communities — Lokojoro, Nding and Kasuwan Dankali in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area — have witnessed rising anxiety after unknown persons allegedly destroyed farms and slaughtered cows, sparking concerns among residents over possible reprisals.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, the Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah, described the attacks as “unfortunate” and warned that the command would not tolerate actions capable of plunging the area into another cycle of unrest.

“The Commissioner of Police Plateau State Command, CP Bassey Ewah psc(+), FCAI, strongly condemns the recent destruction of farms in the Lokojoro area and the killing of cows in Nding and Kasuwan Dankali of Barkin Ladi LGA,” the statement read.

The police commissioner stressed that security agencies had been directed to intensify surveillance and enforce existing restrictions across the local government area to prevent further escalation.

He reiterated the state government’s restriction on the use of both private and commercial motorcycles within Barkin Ladi, noting that the measure was part of ongoing efforts to maintain peace and safeguard lives and property.

“In line with proactive measures aimed at preventing further breakdown of law and order, while safeguarding lives and properties, the Commissioner of Police re-emphasises the restrictions placed on the activities of both commercial and private motorcycles within Barkin Ladi Local Government Area by the State Government,” the statement added.

According to the police, the restriction would be strictly enforced in collaboration with other security agencies operating in the state.

“To this end, the command, in cooperation with other security agencies, will ensure strict enforcement of this restriction in the interest of peace in Barkin Ladi and the state at large,” the statement noted.

The commissioner also reminded residents that the ban on commercial tricycles, popularly known as “Keke NAPEP,” on Sallah Day and the following day remains in force as part of the security measures put in place for the festive period.

He further reaffirmed that the ban on commercial motorcycles within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis and areas covered by the Jos master plan was still valid.

Ewah insisted that the restrictions were not targeted at oppressing residents but were necessary steps aimed at preventing violence and ensuring lasting peace across Plateau State.

“These measures are not an attempt to infringe on the rights of any individual or group of persons, but a necessary step aimed at ensuring peace in the state,” he stated.

The police boss disclosed that investigations into the destruction of farms and killing of cattle were ongoing, assuring residents that those responsible would be identified, arrested and prosecuted.

“Investigation into the incidents is ongoing with a view to arrest the perpetrators and ensure they are brought to justice,” the statement added.

He appealed to residents to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding while supporting security agencies with credible information that could aid ongoing investigations and security operations across the affected communities.