The Plateau State Government has launched a crackdown on herders illegally grazing cattle inside the Jos Wildlife Park, intensifying security operations to arrest and prosecute offenders following repeated incursions into the conservation area.
As part of the enforcement measures, the government has temporarily sealed all pedestrian access points into the park, increased patrols and deployed joint security teams to protect the facility from further illegal activities.
The Plateau State Tourism Corporation disclosed the development on Tuesday, saying it had received several reports of herders sneaking cattle into the park between 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., when staff presence is minimal.
According to the corporation, the herders have been gaining access to the park through water channels and by breaking padlocks on gates along the western boundary near the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Headquarters.
The corporation said the enhanced security measures were aimed at safeguarding the park and preventing further violations of environmental and conservation laws.
It added that joint security operations involving the Police and other security agencies are already underway to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible for the illegal grazing and other unlawful activities within the park.
The management disclosed that arrests and prosecutions of herders and illegal miners had already been recorded as part of the ongoing enforcement campaign to restore order and protect the conservation area.
The corporation assured residents that the Plateau State Government, under the leadership of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, remains committed to implementing lasting measures to strengthen security at the park and preserve it for future generations.
It also commended residents of neighbouring communities, particularly Dong Kassa, for their vigilance and cooperation, urging members of the public to continue reporting suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
The corporation reaffirmed that the Jos Wildlife Park remains one of Plateau State’s most important environmental and tourism assets, stressing that its protection is essential to biodiversity conservation, public safety and the continued growth of the state’s tourism sector.