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OPSH Troops Arrest Over 1,000 Cattle for Grazing on Farmlands in Plateau State

Published

3 years ago

July 19, 2023

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Troops of the Operations Safe Haven (OPSH) have arrested more than 1,000 cattle and a significant number of sheep for grazing on farmlands in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Captain James Oya, the Media Officer of the OPSH, made the announcement in a statement on Wednesday July 19, 2023.

According to him the troops of the Special Task Force intercepted the cows, which also included a large number of sheep, while they were grazing on farmlands belonging to local residents in Dumunan village, Bwai district of Mangu Council.

Bwai district has been recently under frequent attacks with a number of farmers reportedly killed, houses burnt and many locals sacked.

The statement noted that preliminary investigations conducted by the military revealed that the cows and sheep originated from Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi local governments, respectively. They are currently in OPSH custody for necessary action.

The statement says General Officer Commanding (GCO) 3 Division and Commander Operation Safe Haven, Major General AE Abubakar, has promised to tackle the root cause of the crisis and prevent further attacks in the Mangu area.

Meanwhile, Senator Diket Plang, representing Plateau Central in Plateau State, has appealed to the military to expand its surveillance in Mangu Local Government Area to farming areas in order to curb a new trend of crime where farms are being destroyed by bandits.

In a signed statement, Senator Plang strongly condemned the destruction of farms by bandits and expressed concern about the negative impact it would have on the predominantly farming community, which is already traumatised and facing hardships.

He emphasised that the destruction of farmlands would not only affect the local government but also the entire state and Nigeria as a whole, considering the strategic position of the council in terms of food production.

Senator Plang further stated that the destruction of farmlands could trigger reprisal attacks, undermining the peace initiatives undertaken by stakeholders and the government, while also hindering the progress made by the military in addressing the dire situation in the local government area.

“In light of the current situation, the bandits have changed their malicious modus operandi from attacking human lives to destroying the means of livelihood for the people, namely farming. Recently, farms were destroyed in various parts of the local government,” he said.

“This could cripple the economy and further frustrate the efforts of farmers towards achieving food security. It may also lead to retaliatory attacks, jeopardising the ongoing military efforts to address the spate of killings in the affected areas.

“Therefore, there is an urgent need for security personnel on the ground to also extend their surveillance to the farming areas and protect the crops that have been nurtured and are ready for harvest in the coming months,” he stated.

Related Topics:ManguLGA OPSH Troops Arrest 1000 Cattle Grazing On Farmlands In Plateau

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Despite flaws at NDC primaries, there is no internal crisis in our party – Dickson

Published

3 hours ago

June 10, 2026

Preport

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday, Dickson conceded that some members were dissatisfied with aspects of the primaries, noting that the direct primary system had created operational challenges for both established and emerging political parties.

“Some aspects of the process were not perfect,” he said, while maintaining that many of the contested outcomes were determined by the party’s internal structures rather than its national leadership.The remarks come amid growing complaints from aspirants in several states who have accused the party of irregularities in its nomination process.Dickson also rejected claims that the NDC is embroiled in internal turmoil, insisting instead that the level of competition within the party reflects rapid expansion and increasing public interest.

“There is no crisis whatsoever,” he said, arguing that the influx of political figures and aspirants into the party structure demonstrates rising confidence rather than instability.He further expressed appreciation to Nigerians for what he described as growing trust in the party, pointing to participation in recent party activities as evidence of widening support.According to him, the surge in interest and contestation for positions should be interpreted as political strength rather than organisational weakness.

National leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, and former Bayelsa State Governor, senator Seriake Dickson, has acknowledged shortcomings in the conduct of the NDC’s primary elections while dismissing suggestions of a deepening internal crisis within the party.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday, Dickson conceded that some members were dissatisfied with aspects of the primaries, noting that the direct primary system had created operational challenges for both established and emerging political parties.

The remarks come amid growing complaints from aspirants in several states who have accused the party of irregularities in its nomination process.

Dickson also rejected claims that the NDC is embroiled in internal turmoil, insisting instead that the level of competition within the party reflects rapid expansion and increasing public interest.

“There is no crisis whatsoever,” he said, arguing that the influx of political figures and aspirants into the party structure demonstrates rising confidence rather than instability.

He further expressed appreciation to Nigerians for what he described as growing trust in the party, pointing to participation in recent party activities as evidence of widening support.

According to him, the surge in interest and contestation for positions should be interpreted as political strength rather than organisational weakness.

News

Masara Kim Accuses Barkin Ladi PYC Leaders of Defending Government Over Victims

Published

4 hours ago

June 10, 2026

Preport

Activist and social media commentator Masara Kim Usman has responded strongly to the recent press conference held by the Plateau State Youth Council (PYC), Gwol Barkin Ladi Chapter, which demanded that he delete a controversial video and apologize to Plateau State Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development, Hon. Peter Kanang Gwom.

In a statement circulated on social media, Masara dismissed the demands of the youth council and defended his decision to publish the video linked to the February 2026 mass burial in Ratatis village, Dorowa Babuje, following a deadly attack that claimed several lives.

Masara questioned the motives of the youth leaders, accusing them of defending government officials instead of standing with victims of insecurity in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.

According to him, the video captured genuine remarks made by the commissioner during the burial ceremony and argued that he had the right to publish the footage as his intellectual property.

He also defended the timing of the video’s release, stating that he deliberately avoided posting it immediately after the attack to prevent heightened emotions and possible escalation of tensions.

Masara further criticized the youth council for what he described as misplaced loyalty to political office holders, alleging that some individuals were being influenced by financial benefits from government officials.

The activist highlighted several instances where he claimed to have personally supported victims of attacks in Plateau communities, including documenting attacks, assisting displaced victims, raising funds for mass burials, and covering medical bills for injured survivors.

He recalled reporting from dangerous scenes during attacks and funerals in Barkin Ladi communities, saying his activities had exposed him to threats from terrorist groups.

Among the examples cited, Masara claimed he assisted in relocating orphaned twins whose parents were killed during an attack in Barkin Ladi and helped secure support for their welfare and upbringing.

He also alleged that he independently mobilized resources for the burial of victims killed in previous attacks after government assistance was reportedly unavailable.

Masara maintained that he would not be intimidated by the demands of the youth council and challenged those accusing him of wrongdoing to seek legal action if they believed any law had been violated.

“Let’s make this simple: sue me or arrest me if you believe I’ve broken any law or violated anyone’s rights,” he stated.

The controversy follows growing public debate over media coverage, activism, and government response to insecurity in parts of Plateau State, particularly in communities affected by recurring attacks.