Following reports that herders destroyed more than 100 farmlands in the Jol village in Riyom Local Government Area, the Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM) has urged the Plateau State government to immediately stop open grazing in the state.
The association expressed outrage and condemnation in a statement released on Thursday by Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, National President of BYM, over what it described as the deliberate and total destruction of more than 100 irrigation farmlands in two days between April 21 and 22, 2026, by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
According to reports from the community, Fulani herdsmen deliberately invaded and grazed on more than 50 hectares of cultivated irrigation farmland, along with a variety of flourishing crops, by driving their cattle into the farms, Mwantiri stated.
According to the BYM President, the deliberate devastation of the farmlands not only eliminated many families’ main source of income, but it also jeopardizes food security and the state’s overall economic stability.
“We must state that arrest alone does not address the magnitude of destruction inflicted on the farming community, even though we acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of the Special Task Force (STF) in arresting 21 cows that returned to the area on Wednesday,” he stated.
He continued by saying that the confiscated cattle only made up a small portion of the total and could not make up even half of the losses incurred by the impacted farmers.
The BYM continued to make broad demands.
A directive or order prohibiting grazing in Jol and its neighboring communities, such as Kwi, Wereng, and Rim, should be issued immediately.
“Complete compensation for all impacted farmers whose livelihoods and crops have been ruined.”
“Increased enforcement and security presence to stop such acts from happening again.”
“We must make it very clear that if we do nothing or don’t take decisive action on this issue, tensions could get worse.”
A directive or order prohibiting grazing in Jol and its neighboring communities, such as Kwi, Wereng, and Rim, should be issued immediately.
“Complete compensation for all impacted farmers whose livelihoods and crops have been ruined.”
“Increased enforcement and security presence to stop such acts from happening again.”
“We must make it very clear that if we do nothing or don’t take decisive action on this issue, tensions could get worse.”
A directive or order prohibiting grazing in Jol and its neighboring communities, such as Kwi, Wereng, and Rim, should be issued immediately.
“Complete compensation for all impacted farmers whose livelihoods and crops have been ruined.”
“Increased enforcement and security presence to stop such acts from happening again.”
“We must make it very clear that if we do nothing or don’t take decisive action on this issue, tensions could get worse.”
A directive or order prohibiting grazing in Jol and its neighboring communities, such as Kwi, Wereng, and Rim, should be issued immediately.
“Complete compensation for all impacted farmers whose livelihoods and crops have been ruined.”
“Increased enforcement and security presence to stop such acts from happening again.”
“We must make it very clear that if we do nothing or don’t take decisive action on this issue, tensions could get worse.”
A directive or order prohibiting grazing in Jol and its neighboring communities, such as Kwi, Wereng, and Rim, should be issued immediately.
“Complete compensation for all impacted farmers whose livelihoods and crops have been ruined.”
“Increased enforcement and security presence to stop such acts from happening again.”
“We must make it very clear that if we do nothing or don’t take decisive action on this issue, tensions could get worse.”
He expressed regret that the community’s patience was being put to the test and pointed out that even though the association had been urging the community to be patient and refrain from enforcing laws while promoting a legal and peaceful resolution, the BYM cannot ensure long-term peace if these injustices continue unchecked.
Mwantiri concluded, “The BYM stands firmly with the people of Jol and calls on all relevant authorities to act swiftly and decisively in the interest of justice, peace, and coexistence.”
“Complete compensation for all impacted farmers whose livelihoods and crops have been ruined.”
“Increased enforcement and security presence to stop such acts from happening again.”
“We must make it very clear that if we do nothing or don’t take decisive action on this issue, tensions could get worse.”
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