By Rabiu Sanusi
On Saturday, 25th May 2024, key stakeholders gathered at the Hajiya Amina Inuwa Memorial Hall in Gombe for a pivotal town hall meeting aimed at addressing and resolving the persistent conflicts between farmers and herders in the state. The event was organized by the Farmers/Herders Prevention and Settlement of Dispute Committee, led by Dr. Barnabas M. Malle, Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Animals Husbandry, and Cooperatives, also known as Magayakin Kamo.
Dr. Ibrahim Yakubu, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, opened the meeting with remarks highlighting the ministry’s dedicated efforts to mediate between the conflicting parties. He called for increased cooperation from both farmers and herders to ensure lasting peace in Gombe State.
Alhaji Usman Shetima, the District Head of Nasarawo and Oversea Senior District Head of Gombe, emphasized the vital role of traditional rulers in supporting the policies and programs of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s administration. He committed to raising awareness among their communities about the importance of peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.
Representing the Fulani cattle rearers, Alhaji Modibbo Yahaya, Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Rearers Gombe State Chapter, reaffirmed the Fulani community’s commitment to working alongside the state government. He stressed the significance of maintaining peace during the farming, harvesting, and post-harvest periods, noting that peace is essential for any meaningful development. Yahaya also urged all Fulani groups in Gombe State to abide by the law and expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Agriculture for organizing the gathering.
Alhaji Babangida Jigawa Nafada, Chairman of Nafada Local Government Council, spoke on behalf of the chairmen of the 11 LGAs in Gombe State. He outlined the proactive measures being taken to ensure a peaceful farming season, as directed by Governor Yahaya. Nafada thanked the governor for his financial support for security across the LGAs, emphasizing the importance of these measures for maintaining peace.
Dr. Barnabas Malle, who also chairs the Farmers/Herders Prevention and Settlement of Dispute Committee, concluded the meeting with an optimistic message. He praised Governor Yahaya’s leadership for ensuring a clash-free farming season the previous year and called on the people of Gombe State to continue supporting the administration’s development projects, particularly in agriculture. Dr. Malle announced that in June 2024, the government would provide farmers with subsidized fertilizer to promote a bountiful harvest.
The town hall meeting underscored the Gombe State government’s commitment to fostering peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders, crucial for the state’s agricultural and economic growth. Participants left the meeting with a renewed sense of purpose and cooperation, hopeful for a peaceful and productive year ahead.
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