Farmers/Herders Crisis: Int’l Alert Organises Stakeholders’ Peace Dialogue In Yobe

As part of measures to promote peace among farmers and herders in Yobe State, a non-governmental organisation, International Alert in collaboration with   European Union, has organised a multi-stakeholders’ dialogue among communities affected by herder/farmers violent clashes in Gujba local government area of state.

Farmer/herder crisis had recently claimed one life, 15 others wounded in Buni-Yadi, the headquarters of Gujba local government area of Yobe State.

The workshop, which took place in Damaturu, drew participants from Miyatti Allah, farmers association, ulamas, traditional intuitions and security personnel.

The North-east programme manager International Alert, Mary Kachollom Hwyare said the dialogue, funded by the European Union, was aimed at strengthening mutual understanding between farmers and herders in the communities affected by the violent clashes in Gujba local government area.

Hwyare said the organisation remained committed to peace building through advocacy, research and dialogue with critical stakeholders to achieve set goals.

“The dialogue is expected to form an action point towards effectively reducing the cases of farmer/herder clashes in the state,” he said.

Also, the project manager International Alert Yobe, Mr Williams Ubamago said, the organisation has since inception been working with various stakeholders among other groups towards promoting mutual understanding between farmers and herders across the state.

“International Alert is working together with the alternative dispute resolution committee, SEMA, ministry of humanitarian affairs, and the state protection sector group among others in the state to ensure peaceful coexistence among the people of the state.

“Since 2019 we’ve been rendering assistance to the less privileged, lactating mothers, children in the most affected communities across the Northeast region.

“We also engaged Traditional rulers, Religious leaders and other key actors to resolve issues affecting the relative peace in the region.”