Yola: The Commissioner of Police in Adamawa, Mr. Morris Dankombo, alongside other key security stakeholders, has resolved to collaboratively address the ongoing farmer-herder conflicts in the state with the onset of the rainy season.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dankombo emphasized that the stakeholders’ meeting was convened as part of the Police Community Engagement initiative aimed at preventing security breaches in Yola. The meeting was designed to provide a platform for exchanging ideas and collectively charting a path towards sustained peace in the region.
Dankombo pointed out that the rainy season often sees increased tensions between herders and farmers, primarily due to competition over land, water, and grazing reserves. He highlighted the risk of these tensions escalating into violence, which could disrupt livelihoods and threaten the hard-earned peace and security in the state. He urged all stakeholders to remain committed to promoting peace, security, and mutual respect across the state.
The Special Adviser to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri on Peace and Security, Alhaji Ahmed Lawan, assured that the 2025 farming season would be different, thanks to the stakeholders’ commitment to ensuring peace. Lawan mentioned that the government would also work towards recovering all grazing reserves that had been encroached upon, providing herders with designated areas for grazing without conflict.
Alhaji Gambo Nakira, representing the Chairman of Adamawa Concerned Citizens, recommended banning underaged individuals from cattle rearing to prevent crop destruction and encroachment on grazing reserves. Nakira described the meeting as timely and commended the police for their proactive efforts towards maintaining peace and security in the state.
Representatives from the Muslim Council and the Christian Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Abubakar Batu and Rev. Victor Sajo, respectively, urged the government to promote justice for both farmers and herders and address their needs. They emphasized that these measures would enhance economic activities and ensure peace and security in Adamawa.