Bauchi Governor Warns Against Conversion Of Grazing Land To Farmlands

Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, has warned the Ministry of Lands and Survey, Darazo local government officials and traditional leaders against allocating government-designated grazing lands for farming activities.

The governor spoke during a peace dialogue in Nahutan village, Darazo local government area yesterday, following recent violent clashes between farmers and herders.

Governor Bala expressed concern over the growing tension over land use, particularly the conversion of grazing areas into farmland. He noted that such actions had escalated longstanding conflicts between the two groups.

He explained that Darazo, despite being one of the major agricultural hubs in the Bauchi Central, is currently grappling with unpredictable weather, and rising insecurity.

According to the governor, over the past two years, about 2,500 hectares each were allocated from the forests of Alia, Sade, and Yautari in Darazo to support increased demand for farmland. However, Fulani herders have viewed the move as an infringement on their traditional grazing routes and settlements, deepening existing tensions and mistrust.

“These forests have long served as peaceful grazing areas for herders. Unfortunately, due to population growth and improper land allocations, this balance has been disrupted,” the governor lamented.

Governor Bala acknowledged Darazo’s growing population and its emergence as a rapidly expanding town in North Central Bauchi, but said this growth must be managed to prevent further decline in agricultural productivity.

In response to the misunderstanding, the governor set up a high-level committee comprising land officials, traditional rulers, and security personnel to review all land allocations, clearly demarcate boundaries, protect grazing reserves and cattle routes, and to ensure accountability and transparency in the process.

“It is unacceptable for anyone to misuse land intended for multiple purposes. We must restore order through fairness, transparency, and inclusive dialogue,” Governor Bala said.

Governor Bala emphasised that both farmers and herders are integral to the state’s economy and must be treated with fairness and respect.

Malam Bala Darazo, speaking for the Fulani community, said the lack of accessible grazing land has become a serious issue for herders, urging the state government to design special land for grazing.

However, Imrana Muhammad Lawal, leader of the farming community, alleged that herders had been invading farmlands, assaulting farmers, and destroying property.

Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Command, CP Sani Omolori Aliyu, said that at the onset of the rainy season, he convened a strategic meeting with key stakeholders to proactively address the recurring clashes between farmers and herders across the state.