Gombe: Farmers, herders sign peace accord to avert clashes in Nafada

From Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe

Farmers and herders in Nafada Local Government Area of Gombe State have signed a peace accord in a bid to curb recurring clashes during and after harvest as well as enhance food security in the area.

The accord, brokered and signed during a multi-stakeholder engagement facilitated by the Gombe State Chapter of Youth O’Clock Nigeria, marked a step towards sustainable peace and agricultural stability in the region.

Key stakeholders at the event included traditional rulers, religious bodies, security agencies, civil society organisations, and representatives of the Nafada Local Government Council. The agreement mandates farmers to safeguard designated grazing routes and desist from harmful practices like post-harvest bush burning. Herders, in turn, pledged to respect farmlands and adopt peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms.

The Sarkin Fulanin Nafada, Alhaji Abdu, applauded the initiative and assured continued support from the herder community. Meanwhile, the Chairman of Nafada Farmers Union, Alhaji Saidu Sarkin Yamma, vowed to intensify grassroots advocacy among the farming communities.

Representing the Gombe State Police Commissioner, CSP Yohanna Joel Atuman underscored the role of security in sustaining development, urging strict adherence to the peace terms. Similarly, Alhaji Sulaiman Bappah Hamza, who represented the Emir of Nafada, Alhaji Dadun Hamza, emphasised the need for replication of the dialogue at the ward and community level, particularly among district and village heads.

Youth O’Clock State Coordinator, Comrade Abdulazeez Sani Labaran, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to promoting peace and youth engagement. He stressed that lasting development cannot thrive in the absence of security, calling on communities to remain vigilant and resist manipulation by conflict merchants.

The accord was officially endorsed by representatives of the Nafada Emirate Council, JNI, CAN, civil society actors, the Gombe State Police Command, NSCDC, local government officials, and the Gombe State College of Education and Legal Studies, Nafada.

Stakeholders believe the agreement will de-escalate farmer-herder tensions, reinforce community trust, and serve as a replicable model for peacebuilding across Gombe State.