The Adamawa State Government has unveiled a strategic plan to establish grazing reserves and routes aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence, a move toward ending the protracted farmers-herders clashes.
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Auwal Tukur, announced the initiative during a press briefing at the Government House following a high-level security meeting chaired by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri. The meeting brought together service chiefs, traditional leaders, and local government chairpersons to tackle the recurring issue.
The initiative, according to Tukur, is particularly vital during the harvest season, a period often marked by heightened tensions. He explained that creating designated grazing reserves and routes would mitigate conflicts, ensuring a more harmonious relationship between farmers and herders.
Tukur further emphasized the role of traditional rulers in addressing these disputes. The state government plans to empower these leaders through seminars and workshops, equipping them with the tools to mediate and resolve conflicts at their early stages. Traditional rulers, he added, are integral to the fabric of society and pivotal in fostering community cohesion.
read also: Olu of Warri condemns pipeline destruction by NDLM, calls for calm
Another critical aspect of the plan involves addressing challenges posed by trans-border herders. To manage this, the government will implement a comprehensive cataloging and registration system for all herders grazing within the state. Tukur urged community members to support this effort, while traditional leaders were called upon to organize urgent meetings to identify and resolve local disputes swiftly.
He said the government is also committed to advancing modern agricultural technologies to enhance food and livestock production. This approach aims to reduce competition over resources, ensuring sustainable development in the agricultural sector.
