Farmers, Fulani Herders Agree on Compensation for Farmland Destruction in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Farmers and Fulani cattle owners in Marit, Lajam and Dorowa communities in Plateau State have reached separate agreements on compensation for farmland destruction following consultations and assessments involving the affected parties.

Security sources said the agreements were reached during a meeting held on Oct. 20, 2026, to address grievances arising from farmland destruction and prevent further disputes between farming and herding communities.

Under the agreement, farm owners in Marit reached a settlement with Fulani cattle owners for ₦1 million, to be paid on Oct. 28, 2026, as compensation for the damaged farmland.

In Lajam, farm owners, following an assessment conducted with Fulani herders, agreed to accept ₦200,000 in compensation, with payment scheduled for Oct. 23, 2026.

The report added that the affected farmer in Dorowa requested only ₦27,000 to cover his wife’s hospital bills.

The farmer reportedly made no additional financial demand because his farm produce had already been harvested.

The engagements were aimed at resolving disputes arising from farmland destruction through dialogue and mutually agreed compensation, while preventing tensions from escalating between the affected communities.

Meanwhile, troops are continuing patrols across the general area with patrol leaders to prevent the establishment of unauthorised migrant camps and avert further incidents of farmland destruction, according to the report.

The security presence is expected to reinforce compliance with the agreements and encourage peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.

Authorities have continued to urge both communities to resolve disputes through dialogue and established channels, warning against actions that could undermine peace and security in the area.

Farmers, Fulani Herders Agree on Compensation for Farmland Destruction in Plateau

Nigeria Moves to Strengthen Disability Inclusion, Enforce Rights of Persons with Disabilities

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has renewed its commitment to strengthening disability inclusion and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities through the implementation of regional human rights instruments and existing disability-related laws.

The commitment was reaffirmed at the maiden convening of the Disability Inclusion Technical Working Group (DITWG) on Wednesday at the headquarters of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Abuja.

Lanre Oloyede, who represented the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, and Rabi Anwar, who represented the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, addressed the gathering.

The meeting focused on implementing the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa, also known as the African Disability Protocol (ADP), and other disability-related legislation.

The initiative aims to strengthen collaboration among government institutions and other stakeholders to translate Nigeria’s commitments to disability rights into practical outcomes.

According to Ojukwu’s address, the DITWG was inaugurated on September 10, 2026, to strengthen coordination among stakeholders and advance the implementation of the protocol and other relevant disability-related laws and policies.

Nigeria signed the protocol in February 2023 and ratified it in October of the same year.

The working group is expected to establish functional subcommittees and develop a comprehensive work plan for 2027, with clear priorities, measurable indicators, achievable activities and realistic timelines.

The subcommittees will identify implementation gaps, develop targeted interventions and contribute technical expertise within their respective areas of responsibility.

Key areas of concern include non-discrimination, accessibility, inclusive education, employment opportunities, access to justice, social protection and the protection of children with disabilities.

The initiative also seeks to improve access to essential services and promote the full participation of persons with disabilities in national development.

Ojukwu reaffirmed the NHRC’s commitment to coordinating stakeholder engagement and following up on the activities and recommendations of the subcommittees.

He added that the working group would contribute to preparing periodic reports for submission to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, where appropriate.

The NHRC urged members to participate actively in the deliberations and develop practical strategies that would strengthen accountability and ensure the effective implementation of disability-related laws.

The convening is expected to strengthen partnerships among relevant institutions and promote coordinated action towards achieving disability inclusion, equal opportunities and the protection of human dignity in Nigeria.

Nigeria Moves to Strengthen Disability Inclusion, Enforce Rights of Persons with Disabilities

“I’m Sorry for Leaking Official Matters,” Ex-DSS Officer Begs DG, Colleagues, Threatens to Sue SaharaReporters

By: Zagazola Makama

A retired officer of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, has apologised to the agency’s Director-General, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, and an association of retired DSS officers over the publication of an internal matter on an online news platform.

Ezeakolam, in a letter dated Sept. 22, 2026, expressed regret over his decision to take an internal issue to the media, describing the action as a serious error of judgment.

He appealed to the DSS director-general to forgive him and resolve the matter internally, insisting that he never intended to cause harm or embarrassment to the agency’s leadership.

“I write this letter with deep regret and humility, to apologise for my decision to escalate and publish an internal matter on an online media space. I acknowledge that making such publication was a serious error in judgment and I regret the consequences,” he wrote.

The retired officer said he recognised the sensitive nature of internal security matters and acknowledged that such issues should not have been made public.

“It was never my intention to cause any harm to your esteemed self or the exalted office of the DGSS; or to expose you to legal difficulties. I recognise that internal matters are sensitive in nature and should not have been made available publicly,” he stated.

Ezeakolam further apologised for any harm or embarrassment his actions might have caused the DSS leadership, adding that the incident had taught him an important lesson.

He reaffirmed his loyalty to the Federal Government of Nigeria, saying he had neither participated in nor intended to participate in activities inimical to the country’s security.

“My allegiance is and will remain wholly to the Federal Government of Nigeria as a retired officer. I have never participated and will never participate in any act that is inimical to the security of this nation,” he said.

He pleaded with the director-general to temper justice with mercy and settle the matter internally.

In a separate development, Ezeakolam, through his lawyer, Edmund C. Ben, principal partner of Lawminds Associates, has demanded a retraction of a SaharaReporters publication dated June 29, 2026, which he said contained inaccuracies and unsubstantiated claims.

The letter, dated Oct. 16, 2026, expressed concern over what the law firm described as statements that denigrated the office of the DSS director-general and ARODSSON.

The lawyers acknowledged the media’s role in promoting transparency and accountability but stressed the need for responsible journalism, factual accuracy, fairness and the right of individuals to respond to reports that could damage their reputations.

“While we recognise the fundamental role of the media in promoting transparency, accountability, and public discourse, we also emphasise the importance of responsible journalism, factual accuracy, fairness, and the right of individuals to respond to publications that may adversely affect their reputation,” the letter stated.

The law firm asked SaharaReporters to publish Ezeakolam’s official response to the allegations contained in the June 29 report.

It also demanded the correction and retraction of any claims found to be inaccurate, misleading or unsupported by verifiable evidence.

The lawyers gave the platform seven days from receipt of the letter to respond, warning that failure to comply could lead to further legal action.

“Should your newspaper fail to respond appropriately within seven days from the receipt of this letter, we reserve the right to consider further lawful steps available to address the matter,” the lawyers stated.

The dispute centres on the publication of an internal matter involving the DSS leadership and the subsequent demand for a retraction.
SaharaReporters’ response to the demand was not included in the correspondence provided.

“I’m Sorry for Leaking Official Matters,” Ex-DSS Officer Begs DG, Colleagues, Threatens to Sue SaharaReporters