Government Raises Panel On Herdsmen, Farmers Clashes

The Federal Government has inaugurated a 16-member technical committee on the recurring clashes between farmers and herdsmen in the country.

The committee is expected to arrange an all-inclusive gathering of stakeholders to address the lingering conflicts involving the two groups.

The Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau, while inaugurating the committee in his office yesterday, said it was intended to “suggest ways of addressing this conflict that is becoming a clog to our efforts to achieve harmonious relationship amongst the citizenry and a barrier to economic development.”

Chaired by the Director-General of the National Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Prof. Oshita Oshita, the committee is expected to identify the fundamental causes of the clashes.

It would also probe past investigations of such conflicts by the police including those that have been implemented; and focus on the Niger-Benue region, which is noted for frequent clashes between the two groups. 

Dambazau charged members of the committee to produce a comprehensive report on the issue.Committee Chairman, Oshita said: “We have noted the terms of reference and we will work with the stakeholders in ensuring peace and stability in the land. We will also strive to deliver the report in two weeks as specified by the government.”

In a related development, the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Usman Durkwa has warned farmers and herdsmen in Bayo local council against violence in the state.

Durkwa gave the warning at the weekend in Briyel town while mediating in a clash between farmers and herdsmen where two people died. “The two parties that clashed over grazing land and crop harvests should shun any act of violence and reconcile to live in peace with one another for the development and progress of the area,” Durkwa said.

According to him: “I’m directed by Governor Kashim Shettima to come here and mediate between the aggrieved parties over pasture and harvested crops; with a view of bringing a lasting solution to ensure peace among you.”