In a bid to address the persistent farmer-herder conflicts in Taraba State, the U.S. Government Exchange Alumni Association of Nigeria (USGEAAN), in partnership with the African Resilient Initiative for Community & Sustainable Development (AfRICOSUD), has launched the Speak Peace Project in Karim Lamido Local Government Area.
The initiative, supported by members of the Peace Architecture Dialogue (PAD), aims to strengthen early warning systems, foster inclusive dialogue, and build community capacity for conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
The launch comes in the aftermath of a violent attack on May 23, allegedly carried out by suspected armed herders, which resulted in multiple deaths and the displacement of residents in the area.
A key component of the project is the training and inauguration of “Community Peace Watchers” a group of local stakeholders including farmers, herders, youth leaders, traditional rulers, and security agents. These individuals will serve as grassroots mediators and first responders to emerging conflicts within their communities.
At the official launch, USGEAAN State Coordinator and Project Lead, Mr. Onyeka Nwigwe, emphasized the importance of local leadership in promoting peace.
“You are the bridge between conflict and peace. The knowledge and skills you gain today will empower you to mediate effectively and promote peaceful coexistence,” he told participants.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of Karim Lamido LGA, Mr. Danjos Bitrus, his representative, Danladi S. Umar, urged community members to embrace dialogue and non-violent approaches to conflict resolution.
“Peace is possible if we respect one another and talk through our grievances,” he said, highlighting the crucial roles both farmers and herders play in ensuring food security and rural development.
Read also:
- Kefas has laid foundation for transformation of Taraba-ALGON
- Group seeks end to herders/farmers crisis in Taraba
- Why clashes between farmers, herders persist in Adamawa, Taraba
Also lending his voice, the Divisional Police Officer of the council described the project as timely in light of recent unrest. He called on the newly inaugurated peace watchers to remain impartial and lead by example within their communities.
The project rollout began with advocacy visits to key security institutions, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), aimed at strengthening institutional collaboration.
Organizers told The Trumpet that additional peacebuilding sessions and community outreach efforts are scheduled in the coming weeks to further consolidate peace and prevent future violence, particularly in Karim Lamido and other conflict-prone areas of the state.
