Security: How Herders, Farmers Sheath Swords In Adamawa

Spurred by the incessant crisis being witnessed resulting to loss of lives and property, farmers and herders communities of Bole in Yola south area of Adamawa state, northeast Nigeria has resolved to sheath swords following the signing of the peace accord to allow peace reigns.

The peace agreement sponsored by the British Council under its managing conflict in Nigeria (MCN) project saw the warring groups settling their disputes by constituting a mediation committee that will help in resolving the crisis that may occur.

While signing the peace agreement leaders of the two groups Mr Zirah Tumba and Ya’u Isa all assured that total compliance with the terms of the agreement.

‘’We all welcome this initiative and hope others will emulate, and it can resolve perennial conflicts between farmers and herders.

 ‘’ On our parts, as leaders of herders we will work assiduously to see all agreement entered are strictly adhered to just as we expect justice and equity to prevail in the whole process,’’ urges the herders’ leader Ya’u Isa.

Fulani dancers

farmers dancers

 Speaking earlier Abdulkadir A. Bello state team leader, said that funded by the European Union and British Council, Managing Conflict in Nigeria (MCN) program aims to support Nigerians with conflict resolution, at both the state and community level, adding that the community peace and safety partnership  has helped  in resolving  a perennial conflict between farmers and herders.

‘’We work mainly in northeastern Nigeria: Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states.

 ‘’ The project is aimed at promoting reconciliation and stability in polarized conflict-affected communities, enhancing community resilience through reorientation, reintegration, and empowerment of young men and women.

 ‘’ It also helps in strengthening the capacity of conflict-affected communities and security management actors and institutions,’’ said

Naija News  reports  that those witnessed the signing of the peace accord include traditional rulers and security while the groups agreed to the following provisions:

Farmers will not kill cattle that destroy crops; herders will promptly pay compensation for crops destroyed; herders will stop using under-aged children to rear their cattle, and herders will stop cattle grazing in the hours of the night just as parents were charged to monitor their children and wards to stop narcotics- hawking.