The Qua’an-Pan Local Government Council of Plateau State has banned the settlement of unauthorised herders migrating into the area and warned against grazing cattle on cultivated farmlands as part of measures to strengthen security and promote peaceful coexistence among residents.
The directive was announced by the Executive Chairman of the council, Christopher Manship, during a stakeholders’ meeting with traditional rulers and leaders of Miyetti Allah held at the Felix Dakyap Guest House, Doemak.
A statement issued on Thursday after the meeting and signed by the Director of Press and Publicity to Manship, Danaan Sylvanus, said the chairman declared that the council would no longer tolerate the influx and settlement of herders migrating into Qua’an-Pan 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.
According to Manship, the measure is aimed at preventing criminal elements from infiltrating the local government under the guise of pastoral migration and preserving the peace currently enjoyed in the area.
He urged members of the herding community not to harbour or accommodate individuals fleeing from other locations after allegedly engaging in criminal activities or acts of violence.
The chairman also warned that any herder found grazing cattle on cultivated farmlands would be held accountable in accordance with the law, urging pastoralists to restrict grazing to designated grazing reserves and fallow lands.
The statement read, “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.
“The directive was announced on Wednesday, 22nd July, 2026, by the Executive Chairman, Hon Dr Christopher Audu Manship, during a joint stakeholders’ meeting with traditional rulers and the leadership of Miyetti Allah held at Felix Dakyap Guest House, Doemak.
“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.
“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.”
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Qua’an-Pan Local Government Traditional Council of Chiefs, His Royal Highness Nda Miskagam Leklat, commended the chairman for the proactive step.
He urged all community leaders to intensify sensitisation at the grassroots and report any suspicious movement or Fulani settlement to the relevant authorities to sustain peace in the area.
He further assured 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 in any community in Qua’an-Pan.
Also speaking, the 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 pledged that Miyetti Allah would 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,” the statement added.