By Gloria Abutu
The need to empower and strengthen traditional institutions has been identified as a lasting solution to the recurring farmer-herder clashes in the country.
This was the central message of a Peace Campaign organized by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Ndikong District, Garu, Mayo Belwa Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Addressing the gathering, the Adamawa State Director of NOA, Mr. Richard Bala Dangari, represented by the Deputy Director, Mr. Bethuel Mamman, called for peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.
He emphasized the need for constructive dialogue and non-violent resolution of conflicts, noting that unity, tolerance, and understanding are essential for national development.
Earlier, the Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officer (COMO) for Mayo Belwa Local Government Area, Usman Abubakar, appreciated the people for turning out in large numbers and assured them that the NOA will relay all their concerns and demands to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.
Participants at the forum, including farmers, herders, hunters, ward and village heads, and other residents expressed concern over the unregulated movement of foreign herders into the area, which they described as a major factor fueling tensions.
They unanimously called for urgent government intervention to control such movements and prevent further threats to peace and security.
The community members also advocated for the empowerment of traditional councils to enable them to play a more active role in mediating disputes locally.
They suggested the establishment of grassroots-level committees to handle farmer-herder conflicts, arguing that this approach would reduce dependence on formal legal processes, which often escalate tensions and deepen mistrust.
The people further urged security agencies to discharge their duties diligently and ensure justice is served in all cases, warning that failure to address the root cause of crisis could aggravate insecurity.
The District Head of Ndikong, Alhaji Umaru Buba Garu, commended the NOA for facilitating the dialogue and appealed for patience, tolerance, and mutual understanding among all groups, stressing that peaceful coexistence remains the foundation for sustainable development.
The Nationwide Peace Campaign is part of NOA’s broader efforts to promote peace, national unity, and grassroots engagement as critical mechanisms for preventing and resolving farmer-herder conflict across the country.
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