From Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe
The Gombe State Government has directed committees on the prevention and settlement of farmers-herders conflicts across the 11 local government areas to strengthen monitoring of cattle movement through designated entry points until the end of January 2027.
The directive is aimed at protecting farmlands from destruction, preventing clashes between farmers and herders and ensuring a peaceful harvest season across the state.
The State Chairman of the Committee on the Prevention and Settlement of Farmers-Herders Conflicts, Alhaji Abdulkadir Mohammad, announced the directive while briefing journalists in Gombe.
Mohammad, who is also the Commissioner for Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, said the measure was part of efforts to sustain the gains recorded through the committee’s sensitisation and advocacy visits to traditional rulers and local government chairmen.
He explained that the briefing was organised to inform the public about the committee’s achievements, challenges and strategies for preventing further confrontations between farmers and herders.
The commissioner cautioned herders against night grazing and the practice of entrusting cattle to underage children, warning that such activities could heighten tensions and lead to avoidable conflicts.
He also advised farmers against burning crop residues after harvest and transporting agricultural produce at night, stressing that anyone found violating relevant laws would face appropriate sanctions.
Mohammad urged both farmers and herders to avoid taking the law into their hands, advising them to report suspicious movements and activities to the nearest security agency or relevant authorities for prompt intervention.
He described security as a collective responsibility, noting that the success of government efforts to maintain peace depended largely on the cooperation of communities and other stakeholders.
The committee chairman commended traditional rulers and local government chairmen for their contributions to peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders, urging them to sustain their support.
He also expressed appreciation to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his continued support for the committee’s activities.
Mohammad reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to strengthening peaceful relations between farmers and herders, protecting agricultural investments and ensuring a hitch-free harvest season across Gombe State.