Plateau State Council Bans Unauthorized Herder Settlements, Warns Against Farm Grazing

The Qua'an-Pan Local Government Council in Plateau State, Nigeria, has implemented a ban on the settlement of unauthorized herders migrating into the area. This directive, announced by Executive Chairman Christopher Manship, also includes a strict warning against grazing cattle on cultivated farmlands. These measures are part of a broader effort to strengthen security and foster peaceful coexistence among residents.

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In a bid to safeguard peace, security, and community cohesion, the Qua’an-Pan Local Government Council has banned the settlement of unauthorised Fulani individuals and groups migrating into the locality from other states or Local Government Areas without the knowledge and consent of host communities, particularly the indigenous people and the leadership of Miyetti Allah.

Manship stated that the council will no longer tolerate the influx and settlement of herders from other states or local government areas without the explicit knowledge and consent of host communities, particularly indigenous populations and the leadership of Miyetti Allah. The primary objective is to prevent criminal elements from infiltrating the region under the guise of pastoral migration and to maintain the existing peace.

The council urged the herding community not to provide shelter or accommodation to individuals fleeing other locations after allegedly engaging in criminal activities or acts of violence. Furthermore, any herder found grazing cattle on farmland will be held legally accountable. Pastoralists are advised to restrict their grazing activities to designated reserves and fallow lands.

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The Chairman emphasised the need for unity and peaceful coexistence between the indigenous and Fulani communities in Qua’an-Pan. He further charged the Fulani community not to harbour or accommodate any individuals seeking refuge within the Local Government after involvement in acts of criminality or destruction elsewhere.

The directive was formally announced on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, during a joint stakeholders' meeting with traditional rulers and Miyetti Allah leadership. The chairman emphasized the importance of unity and peaceful coexistence between indigenous communities and the Fulani herders within Qua'an-Pan. The council reiterated its commitment to safeguarding peace and community cohesion through these new regulations.

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Dr Manship further warned that any Fulani herder found grazing on farmland will be held accountable in accordance with the law and urged them to restrict their activities to designated grazing fields and fallow areas set aside for cattle.