Management Committee Chairman of Riyom Local Government Council in Plateau State, Mafeng Gwalson, said clashes between herdsmen and natives in the area have stopped.

The council boss stressed that the outbreak of violence between Fulani herdsmen and farmers in Riyom has reduced to the barest minimum.

Gwalson stated this in a chat with journalists in Jos, the Plateau State capital, while speaking on his tenure as management committee chairman.

Riyom is one of the crisis-ridden local government areas in Plateau State. Hundreds of residents had been killed with communities sacked in the past as a result of clashes between herdsmen and farmers.

It would be recalled that Senator Gyang Dantong and a member of the House of Assembly, Gyang Fulani, had met their death during the burial of persons killed in Riyom in 2012.

Gwalson said “Before we assumed office, reports had it that the number of persons killed monthly in Riyom was close to 30, but as it is now it has reduced to zero. Most of those who were displaced as a result of the crisis have all returned home and are doing their businesses. Our people now go to their farms peacefully without any fear of attack.

“When Governor Simon Lalong assumed office in May 2015, he took it upon himself to ensure that peace is restored to the northern zone, especially Riyom and Barkin Ladi. We preached peace to the people and held series of meetings with security operatives, youths and stakeholders.

“The Lalong-led administration has commissioned so many projects, especially in the northern senatorial district. These include two rural electricity projects located at Tapo, Heipang District in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area and Duei, in Du District, Jos South Local Government Area.

“Our governor also inaugurated a modern JAMB-approved Information and Communication Technology, ICT, centre in Riyom in order to generate revenue and empower youths with ICT knowledge. Also work has started on the Accident/Trauma Hospital which was abandoned nine years ago.

“This was done because peace has been restored to our community. During the commissioning, recently, the governor called for peace among communities, especially Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Jos South Local Governments which had been flash points in the last 10 years.

“The governor said the projects were initiated and completed due to the return of peace and urged the people to sustain the effort. Where there is no peace, there won’t be development. I want to stress that peace has been restored to Riyom.”

The Management Committee Chairman of Pankshin Local Government Area, Stephen Jings, said about 34 projects have been completed and commissioned by the Lalong-led administration since assumed office a year ago.

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No more conflict between herdsmen and Riyom farmers – LGA Chairman