Respite as herder-farmer conflicts in Gombe declines

In 2023, a significant milestone was recorded in Gombe State, when for the first time in several years, there were no violent clashes between herders and farmers in the state.

In previous years, conflicts arising from such infractions between herders and farmers usually resulted in huge casualties on both sides, raising tensions and serious economic consequences.

In an effort to consolidate the prevailing peaceful coexistence between herdsmen and farmers, the state government had in 2020 reactivated the Farmers/Herders Dispute Prevention and Settlement Committee.

The committee was saddled with the responsibility of eliminating any form of conflict between herdsmen and farmers as the rainy season commences.

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The committee is holding a series of town hall meetings between leaders of various groups of farmers and herders, as well as other stakeholders in the agricultural sector, which according to officials is yielding the desired results.

Some weeks ago, the leadership of farmers and herders were invited to a stakeholders’ town hall meeting in Gombe, one of several initiatives aimed at solidifying the peace between the two groups in the state.

The meeting underscored the state government’s commitment to fostering peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders, which is an important element for the state’s agricultural and economic growth.

Addressing the gathering of the two parties and other stakeholders, the commissioner for agriculture and animal husbandry, Dr Barnabas Malle, said he is hopeful the state may no longer experience farmers /herders clashes as the state government builds on its success in maintaining peace between the two groups.

Dr Malle, who doubles as chair of the committee, said to ensure a successful 2024 farming season in the state, the committee organised the stakeholder’s engagement to remind both parties of the need to be responsible and law-abiding while going about their activities.

While assuring them of the state government’s continued support, he urged them to continue to always be guided by the laws provided to prevent unnecessary clashes, especially during this year’s rainy season.

He emphasised that the state government believed that peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders is essential for the state’s agricultural and other economic development.

Dr Malle emphasised that Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s administration is committed to building on the prevailing peaceful coexistence among groups and communities in the state.

According to him, the commitment is a crucial part of the state’s renewed efforts to prevent farmer-herder conflicts.

The commissioner added that the farmer-herder disputes prevention and settlement committee was established years ago, but was reactivated in 2020, to create a platform dedicated to deploying strategies to prevent lingering conflicts between farmers and cattle herders, an issue that has plagued other states in the country.

According to him, the committee had been left dormant in previous years, largely ineffective and without the necessary resources to address the ongoing conflicts.

“Governor Yahaya revitalised the committee and gave it the critical support and resources needed to operate effectively. This included not only financial backing but also the authority to implement comprehensive strategies aimed at mitigating conflicts between farmers and herders.

“This renewed focus has enabled the committee to undertake proactive measures, such as community engagement programmes, conflict resolution workshops and regular dialogue sessions between the farming and herding communities.

These initiatives are designed to foster mutual understanding and cooperation, addressing grievances before they escalate into violent clashes,” Malle said.

He noted that a stable and peaceful agricultural environment not only benefits the local economy but also contributes to national food security, “By preventing conflicts and ensuring that both farmers and herders can operate without fear of violence.”

According to him, the state’s proactive approach serves as a model for conflict resolution and sustainable development, which has demonstrated how effective governance and community collaboration can lead to lasting peace and prosperity.

The commissioner reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to maintain and build upon the peaceful coexistence achieved last year and reiterated Governor Yahaya’s pledge to continue supporting initiatives that promote harmony between farmers and herders.

He emphasised that the committee’s proactive measures and comprehensive strategies are geared towards maintaining peace and fostering a cooperative relationship between farmers and herders.

“Through continuous dialogue, conflict resolution workshops, and community engagement programs, we are committed to addressing potential issues before they escalate,” he added.

He reiterated that the reactivation of the committee has been instrumental in mitigating conflicts and promoting mutual understanding.

Malle added, “The committee’s efforts have already shown positive results, with a noticeable decrease in violent outbreaks and a significant improvement in the relationship between the two groups.”

Also speaking at the meeting, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Ibrahim Yakubu, reiterated their dedication to ensure that there is no conflict between farmers and herders.

He called for increased cooperation from both farmers and herders to ensure lasting peace in the state.

On his part, the District Head of Nasarawo, Alhaji Usman Shettima, emphasised the vital role of traditional rulers in supporting the policies and programmes of the government.

He assured of their continuous support through raising awareness among their communities about the importance of peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.

Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in the state, Alhaji Modibbo Yahaya, reaffirmed their commitment to cooperate with the state government to ensure peaceful coexistence.

He assured the state government that the herdsmen will support the committee to ensure it succeeds, adding that they will also abide by the state’s respective laws.

Meanwhile, Governor Yahaya had also called on the chairmen of the 11 local government areas in the state to mitigate farmer-herder clashes in their respective LGAs.

He spoke while administering oaths of office to the newly elected chairpersons of the 11 local government areas in the state.

“As the rainy season approaches, it is essential that you put in place proactive measures that are aimed at mitigating farmer-herder conflicts in our communities. As local government chairpersons, you are the closest to the grassroots.

“Thus, you bear great responsibility in promoting the well-being, peace and prosperity of the common man through responsive leadership. Your actions and decisions shall be guided by the collective interests of your constituents,” he said.