Troops of Operations Safe Haven (OPSH) have apprehended more than 1,000 cattle for grazing on farmlands in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The Special Task Force intercepted the cattle, along with a large number of sheep, in Dumunan village, Bwai district. This district has witnessed frequent attacks, with farmers killed, houses burnt, and locals displaced.
Preliminary investigations conducted by the military revealed that the cattle and sheep originated from Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi local governments, respectively. Currently, they are in OPSH custody pending necessary action.
Major General AE Abubakar, the General Officer Commanding (GCO) 3 Division and Commander of Operation Safe Haven, has pledged to address the root cause of the crisis and prevent further attacks in the Mangu area.
Meanwhile, Senator Diket Plang, representing Plateau Central in Plateau State, called on the military to expand its surveillance in Mangu Local Government Area, especially in farming areas, to counter a new trend of crime where bandits destroy farmlands.
Senator Plang strongly condemned the destruction of farms, expressing concern about the negative impact on the predominantly farming community.
He emphasized that such actions could lead to reprisal attacks and hinder ongoing peace initiatives and military efforts to address the spate of killings in the affected areas.
According to the Senator, the bandits have shifted from attacking human lives to sabotaging the means of livelihood for the people, which is farming.
The destruction of farmlands threatens the economy, farmers’ efforts towards achieving food security, and the overall peace and stability in the region.
As the situation evolves, stakeholders and the government must remain vigilant to prevent further escalation of violence and work collectively to restore peace and security in the area.