Bauchi State Governor Bala Muhammad has inaugurated a Farmer/Herder Conflict Prevention Committee to address the recurring disputes between farmers and herders in the state.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony yesterday at the State Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Governor Muhammad noted that Bauchi and other parts of Nigeria have long suffered from farmers-herders’ crises, resulting in the loss of lives and destruction of property.
Represented by his principal private secretary, Alhaji Hashimu Yakubu, Mohammed said the establishment of the committee is a critical step toward mitigating the conflicts and fostering peaceful coexistence.
The governor highlighted his administration’s participation in the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, which aims to boost livestock productivity. He noted that key components of the project include the provision of pasture, supplementary feed, disease control and access to water for pastoralists.
According to him, the committee’s terms of reference include monitoring the movement of herders and livestock along designated routes to prevent clashes, educating farmers and herders on mutual benefits and peaceful coexistence, facilitating amicable resolution of disputes, and overseeing compensation for damages to crops or livestock.
He urged the committee members to bring their experience and commitment to bear in carrying out their responsibilities.
On his part, the overseeing permanent secretary of the Ministry for Livestock Development, Dr Ibrahim Muhammad Bello, expressed appreciation to Governor Muhammad for initiating the committee and pledged the ministry’s full support for its success.
Also, the national project coordinator of L-PRES, Alhaji Sunusi Abubakar, represented by social safeguard officer, Nazif Ibrahim Wada, challenged the committee to transform the narrative around farmer-herder conflicts in the state.
He outlined the committee’s responsibilities, including conflict mapping, community engagement, sensitisation and regulating livestock mobility.
The committee chairman and commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr Bala Musa Lukshi, thanked the governor for the trust and pledged to diligently execute their duties.
He also called on stakeholders, particularly religious leaders, security agencies, farmers and herders to embrace dialogue and promote peace.
Members of the committee include Harsanu Muhammad Tukur, Dr. Aisha Balarabe, Alhaji Yakubu Jibrin, Barr. Hussaini Saraki, Engr. Yohana Barau, Amina Garba Aliyu, Hajiya Rashida Yusuf, and Fatima Adamu. Muhammad Bura Harsanu will serve as Secretary, while Dr. Bala Musa Lukshi serves as chairman.
