Farmers, Fulani herders agree on compensation for farmland destruction in Plateau

Farmers and Fulani cattle owners in Marit, Lajam and Dorowa communities in Plateau State have reached separate agreements on compensation for farmland destruction after consultation and assessments.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama, in a post on X on Wednesday, quoted security sources as saying that the agreements were reached during a meeting held on Monday, October 19, 2026, to address grievances arising from farmland destruction and prevent further disputes between farming and herding communities.

Under the agreement, he explained that farm owners in Marit reached a settlement with Fulani cattle owners for N1 million, to be paid on October 28, 2026, as compensation for the damaged farmland.

He said, “In Lajam, farm owners, following an assessment conducted with Fulani herders, agreed to accept N200,000 in compensation, with payment scheduled for Oct. 23, 2026.”

According to him, the report added that the affected farmer in Dorowa requested only N27,000 to cover his wife’s hospital bills, while the farmer reportedly made no additional financial demand because his farm produce had already been harvested.

Makama added that the engagements were aimed at resolving disputes arising from farmland destruction through dialogue and mutually agreed compensation, while preventing tensions from escalating between the affected communities.

Meanwhile, he explained that troops are continuing patrols across the general area with patrol leaders to prevent the establishment of unauthorised migrant camps and avert further incidents of farmland destruction, according to the report.

The security presence, he explained, is expected to reinforce compliance with the agreements and encourage peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.

The security analyst stated that authorities have continued to urge both communities to resolve disputes through dialogue and established channels, warning against actions that could undermine peace and security in the area.