The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has called on state governments to empower traditional rulers with administrative authority and necessary logistics to tackle the persistent conflicts between herders and farmers.
KACRAN’s National President, Hon. Khalil Mohammed Bello, made this appeal in a statement issued in Damaturu, emphasizing the urgent need for traditional leaders to play a more active role in conflict resolution.
According to Bello, both farmers and herders recognize the influence of traditional rulers in fostering peace and unity, making their engagement in mediation efforts indispensable. He stressed that state governments must fully support these leaders to ensure timely and effective interventions in disputes.
“Our Traditional Leaders are well-positioned to contribute significantly to national peace and stability. It is imperative to fully engage them and provide them with the necessary support to achieve timely and effective resolutions,” he stated.
The call comes as violent clashes between farmers and herders continue to escalate across the country, threatening food security and community stability. Bello urged traditional rulers nationwide to take proactive steps in addressing the tensions, leveraging their authority and deep-rooted influence to foster dialogue and reconciliation.
“We passionately appeal to all Emirs and Chiefs to engage actively in finding lasting solutions to these disputes. Their respected status as community leaders positions them uniquely to facilitate dialogue and reconciliation,” he said.
Highlighting past success stories, Bello recalled how the Emir of Fika, Alhaji Muhammad Ibn Abali Ibn Idrisa, and the Emir of Bade, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Suleiman, played key roles in preventing violent confrontations between herders and farmers in their respective domains.
As clashes over grazing lands and farming territories persist, the group believes that empowering traditional rulers could be the game-changer in achieving lasting peace. KACRAN, therefore, urged governors to act swiftly in strengthening the authority of these leaders, ensuring that they have the tools needed to mediate disputes effectively and prevent further bloodshed.