Farmers and Fulani cattle owners in three communities in Plateau State have reached separate agreements on compensation for farmland destruction, in a move aimed at resolving disputes and preventing tensions between farming and herding communities.
The agreements were reached during consultations held on October 20, 2026, in Marit, Lajam and Dorowa communities, following assessments of damage and negotiations involving the affected parties, according to security sources.
This was disclosed on Thursday by counter-terrorism expert Zagazola Makama in a post on his verified X account.
“In Marit, farm owners and Fulani cattle owners agreed on ₦1 million in compensation for damaged farmland, with payment scheduled for October 28,” Makama said.
“In Lajam, farm owners, following an assessment conducted with Fulani herders, agreed to accept ₦200,000 in compensation, with payment scheduled for October 23,” he added.
Makama also reported that the affected farmer in Dorowa requested ₦27,000 to cover his wife’s hospital bills, making no additional financial demand because his farm produce had already been harvested.
The settlements followed engagements intended to address grievances arising from farmland destruction through dialogue and mutually agreed compensation rather than allowing disputes to escalate.
Farmland damage linked to the movement of cattle has been a source of tension in some farming communities, where disputes over crops, livestock movement and access to land can threaten peaceful relations between farmers and herders.
The agreements in the three Plateau communities provide a framework for addressing the specific incidents and meeting the demands agreed upon by the affected parties.
Meanwhile, troops are continuing patrols across the general area to prevent further incidents and discourage the establishment of unauthorised migrant camps, according to the security report.
The patrols are intended to reinforce security and help prevent fresh disputes that could undermine the agreements reached by the communities.
The continued security presence is also expected to encourage compliance with the settlements and support peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.
Authorities have urged both communities to resolve grievances through dialogue and established channels, while avoiding actions that could threaten peace and security.
West Trybe reports that the settlements highlight the role of local dialogue, agreed compensation and continued security monitoring in resolving farmer-herder disputes and reducing the risk of further farmland destruction in Plateau State.
