It its efforts to proffer solution to lingering clash between farmers and herdsmen, the Operation Safe Heaven ( OPSH) maintaining peace in Plateau and parts of Bauchi States have yesterday announced the ban on movement of cattle and herdsmen after 7pm in all its areas of operation.

Major General Tagbo Ude who is the OPSH Commander, gave the pronouncement of the ban during a town hall meeting between various community leaders, village heads and Ardos of Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Jos South and Mangu Local Government Areas in the state.

While issuing the ban, the General emphasised the need to live together peacefully, calling on all parties involved to consolidate on the hard earned peace that is already in place.

While appealing to them to embrace peace that has returned to the communities, he noted that he was aware that some of the challenges facing the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, in most of the areas who wish to return to their homes was the likely hood of their lands being sold or occupied by others, stressing that If somebody has legitimately acquired his land, it is his, whether he is Berom or Fulani.

He further commended the formation and integration of a joint Berom and Fulani vigilante group in Barkin Ladi which he said had identified bad ones within both communities and stressed that the strategy would be replicated in other communities to ensure the sustenance of peace in the state.

Responding to action by the army OPSH, the chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association in the State, Muhammad Nura, said he was happy with the ban on grazing and had also banned the use of children to rear cattle around the stipulated time.

•Sourced from Peoples Daily.