The failure of leaders to visit crisis scenes and engage with victims and affected communities has been identified as a major factor responsible for the persistent clashes between herders and farmers in Adamawa and Taraba States.
This observation was made during a two-day media retreat organized by the Search for Common Ground (SFCG) for journalists and stakeholders from the two states.
The event supported by the European Union (EU), emphasized the need for proactive leadership and political will to resolve such conflicts peacefully.
Speaking at the retreat, which took place in Abuja, Dr. Agoso Bamaiyi, the traditional ruler of Gyawana community in Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State, highlighted the inter-dependence of herders and farmers as agriculturist.
He stressed that mutual understanding and collaboration between the groups are essential for resolving conflicts.
“Farmers and herders need each other, and the nation depends on both of them,” the monarch said, whi6calling for a sustainable framework to address the recurrent violence.
He urged leaders in Adamawa and Taraba States to build upon the peace building foundations, which has shown progress in mitigating tensions.
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Bamaiyi also advocated for institutionalizing peace structures and modernizing agriculture and livestock management as crucial steps to address the root causes of the clashes.
Supporting this position, the SFCG Senior Manager for West Africa Programmes, Bryan Weiner, emphasized the critical role of the media in promoting peace.
He called on journalists to act as mediators by using their platforms to de-escalate tensions and encourage dialogue.
“Nigeria has a rich media landscape, and media practitioners have the power to herald peace and mitigate conflicts,” Weiner said.
Godwin Okoko, Head of Programme Implementation for SFCG in the Middle Belt, further highlighted the impact of the organization’s work in 32 communities across Adamawa and Taraba States.
He noted that media engagement has significantly reduced tensions between herders and farmers, demonstrating the potential of communication in conflict resolution.
With the theme: “Media practice and the farmers-herders conflicts in Nigeria,” the retreat called on leaders, media practitioners, and stakeholders to prioritize peace building efforts and address the underlying issues driving the conflicts in Nigeria, particularly in Adamawa and Taraba States.
