by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
PLATEAU STATE: In an effort to safeguard peace, security, and community cohesion, the Qua’an-Pan Local Government Council has banned the settlement of unauthorized 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.
The directive was announced by the LG Chairman, Hon. Dr. Christopher Audu Manship, during a joint stakeholders’ meeting with traditional rulers and the leadership of Miyetti Allah, which held at Felix Dakyap Guest House, Doemak, Qua’an-pan Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The Chairman emphasized the need for unity and peaceful coexistence between the indigenous and Fulani communities in Qua’an-Pan, and charged the Fulani community not to harbor or accommodate any individuals ‘seeking refuge’ within the Local Government after involvement in acts of criminality or destruction elsewhere.
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 to graze.
Speaking also, the Long Pan-cum Chairman of the Qua’an-Pan Local Government Traditional Council of Chiefs, His Royal Highness Nda Miskagam Jerom Leklat, commended the Chairman for the proactive step.
He urged all community leaders to intensify sensitization at the grassroots and to report any suspicious movement or Fulani settlement to relevant authorities, in order to sustain peace in the area.
The Long Pan further assured of the Traditional Council’s full collaboration with the Council Chairman in strengthening vigilance at the grassroots to ensure that criminal elements do not find refuge within any community in Qua’an-Pan.
In the same vein, Chairman of Miyetti Allah in Qua’an-Pan, Alhaji Sai’du, commended the Chairman for the inclusive approach and pledged the association’s full cooperation.
He also pledged that Miyetti Allah will enhance internal coordination to ensure full compliance by all Fulani settlers with the directive of the government and security agencies, while also preventing the influx and settlement of persons with questionable backgrounds or unidentified Fulani migrants, which he warned would undermine the peace and stability of the Local Government.
He commended the Chairman for his proactive approach to security in Qua’an-Pan, adding that the Chairman’s efforts have led to the rescue of many Fulani from kidnappers. He assured that Miyetti Allah remains committed to supporting a government that treats every citizen with dignity, equity, and respect for diversity.