Plateau violence: Land disputes, ethnic clashes spark reprisals

A retired Army General has identified land grabbing, deep ethnic tensions, and a cycle of farmer-herder clashes as the core triggers of the persistent violence in Plateau State. Gen. Rogers Ibe Nicholas (Rtd), who chairs the state’s Special Fact-Finding Committee, presented these findings at a security conference in Abuja organized by the House of Representatives.

The committee, established by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, conducted extensive interviews with residents, victims, and community leaders across crisis-prone areas. Gen. Nicholas revealed that the crisis is a “complex web of historical grievances, ethnic tensions, and land disputes.” He stated that the situation is far more deeply rooted than commonly perceived.

**A Cycle of Violence and Reprisals**

One of the most significant drivers of the Plateau State crisis is the vicious cycle of reprisal attacks. Farmer-herder conflicts frequently escalate into widespread community violence, perpetuating a relentless cycle of bloodshed. The retired General, drawing from his experience as a former Commander of Operation Safe Haven, emphasized that these clashes are a primary source of the instability.

The committee’s investigation pointed to a combination of factors fueling the unrest. These include systemic poverty, widespread youth unemployment, and illegal mining activities. A fragile criminal justice system and porous borders further complicate the security landscape, allowing violence to fester.

As detailed in the complete version, there are several key factors to consider.

**Pathways to Sustainable Peace**

To break the cycle of violence, the fact-finding committee has proposed several concrete measures. A key recommendation is the establishment of community-based Peace and Security Committees in every locality. These committees would be headed by traditional rulers and include representatives from all ethnic and religious groups.

The panel also advised a strict enforcement and review of the state’s Anti-Land Grabbing Law. Other proposals include creating designated grazing routes and ranching areas to minimize clashes. Strengthening the criminal justice system with stiffer penalties for offenses like cattle rustling and illegal arms possession is also critical.

To address the regional nature of the Plateau State crisis, the committee suggested forming an Interstate Joint Security Task Force. This force would coordinate efforts with neighboring states like Kaduna and Bauchi to curb cross-border attacks. Integrating local vigilante groups into the formal security architecture and improving rural communication for faster emergency response are also part of the planned solution.