Herder/Farmer Clashes:Adamawa Police Engage Critical Stakeholders To Prevent Farmer/Herder Conflict

YOLA —Ojoma Yusuf,Yola

As the rainy season approaches and farming activities intensify, the Adamawa State Police Command has initiated a proactive public engagement to address and prevent recurring clashes between farmers and herders in the state.

The engagement, held in Yola, brought together key stakeholders including religious leaders, traditional rulers, the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and other concerned groups.

The goal was to foster dialogue, promote peaceful coexistence, and implement strategies to avert conflict during the crucial farming season.

Representing Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri at the event, the Special Adviser on Community Peace and Security, Ahmed Lawal, commended the police for organizing the timely intervention.

He urged both farmers and herders to embrace peace and coexist harmoniously, emphasizing the state government’s commitment to ensuring security for all.

Lawal also announced that all encroached cattle routes in the state would be recovered to ensure free movement for herders while preventing damage to farmlands. He assured stakeholders that the government was working to resolve disputes equitably.

Speaking at the forum, the Commissioner of Police, Morris Dankombo, reaffirmed the police command’s dedication to maintaining peace and security.

He highlighted the importance of collaboration with stakeholders to develop lasting solutions to the farmer-herder crisis, which has long threatened the state’s agricultural productivity and social harmony.

Stakeholders at the event expressed support for the initiative and urged the government to provide essential support for both communities. Farmers called for increased access to fertilizers to boost crop yields, while herders advocated for the creation and preservation of grazing routes to prevent conflicts.

The engagement marks a significant step in the state’s efforts to ensure a peaceful farming season and sustainable agricultural development.