Nomadic Education Will Check Banditry, Farmer-Herder Clashes – Forum

Reviving the national policy on nomadic education and enhancing public enlightenment on the Land Use Act, particularly concerning forests and grazing reserves, have been identified as key measures to tackle the challenges of banditry and incessant farmer-herder clashes in Nigeria.

This was among suggestions made during a public dialogue on farmer/herder peace and conflict resolution organised by the Jigawa State chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN). The event was held at the Ahmadu Bello Hall in Dutse, the state capital.

In his presentation, a renowned Professor of Agriculture, Garba Jangargari, stated that a lack of proper public enlightenment on land allocation, cattle routes, grazing reserves, forest reserve demarcation, and other aspects of the Land Use Act leads people to overstep their boundaries in the struggle for control of land resources.

The dialogue was attended by representatives from farmers’ groups, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, civil society organizations, security agencies, traditional rulers, and other relevant stakeholders.

On his part, the state commissioner of police, represented by assistant commissioner of police (ACP) Ado Sada Danbatta, expressed concern over the increase in farmer-herder clashes in the state, despite numerous initiatives introduced by the government to address the issue.

However, the representative of the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) stated that according to their records, 12 cases were reported in November 2025, while 16 cases including loss of lives and property were reported in December.

Also speaking, the representative of the Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), CSC Dauda Rufa’i, noted that Jigawa’s farmers and herders have shared a mutual social relationship, including intermarriage, for centuries. He expressed puzzlement over why they often fight each other over minor issues that could be resolved through dialogue and mediation.

During a panel discussion, it was observed that a lack of access to education, particularly for herders’ children, and inadequate provision of social services are creating gaps and mutual suspicion in the society. These factors, often lead to crises over slight misunderstandings.

The panel maintained that reviving the national policy on nomadic education would help reshape the mindset of herders’ children, broaden their horizons to embrace peaceful coexistence, and encourage the adoption of modern cattle-rearing methods.

The panel also welcomed and commended the federal and Jigawa State governments for establishing Ministry of Livestock. It was urged to pay greater attention to the demarcation and development of grazing reserves and cattle routes to minimise conflict on land control.

The government was called upon to establish more mechanisms for consistent engagement and discussion between farmers and herders.

It was also observed that traditional rulers, farmers, and herders’ associations have a crucial role to play in enlightening their communities. This includes encouraging people to report misunderstandings, avoid taking the law into their own hands, and promoting justice and fairness in handling disputes.

In his closing remarks, the Chief Convener and Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Jigawa, Engr. Auwal Garba, commended the participants. He promised to forward all recommendations from the dialogue to the government and security agencies for effective implementation and achieving sustainable peace and development.