In response to a wave of violent attacks across several rural areas, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has officially banned night grazing and imposed stricter livestock movement regulations aimed at improving security and safeguarding lives and property.

In a statewide address delivered in Jos, Governor Mutfwang condemned the recent spate of attacks on communities including Hurti, Josho, Daffo, Zike, and Kimakpa, which led to significant loss of lives and destruction of homes and infrastructure.

“To restore calm and strengthen vigilance, effective Wednesday, April 16, night grazing of cattle is strictly prohibited across the state,” Governor Mutfwang declared. “Additionally, transporting cattle by vehicle is banned after 7:00 p.m., and motorcycle usage is restricted between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.”

These security directives form part of the government’s broader efforts to tackle the escalating violence, which the governor emphasized goes beyond traditional herder-farmer clashes, highlighting deeper issues that require urgent investigation.

Key Measures Announced:

• ❌ Prohibition of night grazing to limit the exposure of vulnerable communities to nocturnal attacks.
• 🚛 Ban on cattle transportation via vehicles after 7:00 p.m. to prevent misuse of livestock logistics for unlawful activities.
• 🏍️ Restriction of motorcycle use during nighttime hours (7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.), commonly used in rural ambushes.
• 🛡️ Commitment to strengthen support for security agencies in maintaining law and order.
• 🧩 Plans to establish a fact-finding committee made up of credible and independent individuals to investigate the root causes of the ongoing violence and offer strategic recommendations.

Governor Mutfwang also appreciated the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in efforts to restore peace and reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering resolve to protect lives and property across Plateau State.