The Herdsmen-Farmers Dispute Resolution Committee in Gagarawa Local Government Area, Jigawa State, has intensified its mediation efforts to curb the persistent clashes between farmers and herders in the region.
Led by the District Head of Gagarawa and Dokajin Gumel, Kabir Usman, the committee convened a crucial peace mediation meeting on Thursday in Zingaran and Jaftar towns, bringing together Hausa farmers and Fulani herders in an effort to resolve long-standing tensions.
Jigawa has been a hotspot for frequent conflicts between these two groups, particularly in Gagarawa, Guri, and Hadejia. These clashes, often escalating during harvest seasons, have resulted in the destruction of farmlands, loss of lives, and displacement of residents. The latest mediation efforts aim to break the cycle of violence and establish a lasting resolution.
During the meeting, the Emir of Gumel, Ahmad Sani, represented by Bala Muhd, urged all parties to embrace peaceful coexistence, emphasizing that genuine dialogue and mutual understanding are essential to ending hostilities. “The success of this reconciliation effort depends on the continued support and cooperation of both parties,” he said.
Similarly, Kabir Usman stressed that peace is a prerequisite for development and called on both farmers and herders to set aside their differences. “There will be no progress as long as there is no peace,” he stated.
The District Head of Yalawa, represented by Malam Gambo Bulama, described the initiative as a necessary step towards long-term stability, encouraging all parties to remain committed to peacebuilding efforts.
At the conclusion of the discussions, both farmers and herders welcomed the reconciliation process, expressing optimism that the renewed peace efforts would foster greater understanding and cooperation within the region.