In the agricultural village of Kwadon, located within the Yamaltu Deba local government area of Gombe State, a diverse group comprising elders, security personnel, farmers, and herders recently convened with a shared goal: to establish harmony without resorting to violence or conflict.
For many years, similar to other regions across Nigeria, Gombe State has witnessed repeated confrontations between farmers and herders, resulting in damaged farmlands, injuries, and tragically, loss of lives.
In response, the state government has adopted a peaceful approach, emphasizing dialogue, negotiation, and mutual accountability instead of forceful measures.
This strategy, spearheaded by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya and backed by the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, aims to defuse tensions before they escalate into violent outbreaks.
During the gathering in Kwadon, Naomi Mwalin Abdu, the social safeguard officer representing the L-PRES state coordinator, highlighted that proactive communication is central to the project’s mission.
She explained that the governor’s objective is twofold: to safeguard lives and to ensure food security by fostering peaceful coexistence between herders and farmers.
The meeting’s chair, the divisional police officer, urged participants to avoid using force when conflicts arise.
He pointed out that actions such as obstructing cattle corridors or water sources-practices some farmers have engaged in-only serve to ignite disputes.
Community leaders implicated in the unauthorized sale of grazing lands were also warned to cease such activities or face legal repercussions.
The traditional authorities present acknowledged that both farmers and herders bear responsibility for the ongoing conflicts.
The Sarkin Shanu of Kwadon and the District Head of Zanbuk committed to supporting government-led peace initiatives, while the Sarkin Fulani of Kwadon appealed for secure passage for herders and assurances that their means of livelihood would be respected. Many attendees viewed the dialogue as a crucial step beyond mere policy discussions.
Expressing his support, Abdu Isah, a local farmer, shared his exhaustion over crop losses caused by roaming cattle but emphasized his desire for peace. Similarly, herder Shehu Ali welcomed the government’s engagement, stating, “We want to graze our animals freely without fear.”
The group reached consensus on several important actions, including the re-survey and re-mapping of cattle routes, enhanced community awareness programs about the agreed resolutions, and enforcement of penalties against leaders involved in land sales that jeopardize peace.
The session concluded on a hopeful note, with farmers and herders shaking hands and pledging cooperation with local authorities to maintain harmony.
