Farmer-herder Clashes: NUJ Yobe sensitises major traditional leaders on peace strategies (Pictures)
Story by Sa’adatu MAINA, Damaturu
The Yobe State Chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has launched a significant peace initiative through a sensitisation campaign targeting the state’s traditional institutions in response to the persistent and damaging farmer-herder conflicts.
Leading the effort, State NUJ Chairman Comrade Rajab Mohammad Ismael guided a media delegation on visits to key traditional rulers.
The team met with the Emirs of Fika, Alhaji Muhammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idrissa; Bade, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Sulaiman and that of Jajere Emirate, Alhaji Mai Hamza Buba Ibn Isa Mashio at their respective palaces.
The NUJ delegation engaged directly with these monarchs, recognised as vital custodians of culture and peace within their emirates.
Their discussions centred on developing concrete strategies to mitigate the recurring clashes between farmers and herders.
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Speaking at the palace of His Royal Highness, the Emir of Fika, Alhaji Muhammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idrissa, Comrade Ismael emphasised the media’s crucial role in building peace and unity.
He noted that the media must go beyond conventional reporting of events to fostering understanding and building sustainable peace.
“Our purpose in visiting the palaces of the Emirs of Fika, Bade, and Jajere is to sensitise the traditional institution on the grave dangers of conflict and to explore collaborative pathways towards peace,” said the NUJ Chairman.
He underscored the unique influence of the emirates in reaching grassroots communities and promoting essential dialogue.
Ismael elaborated that the campaign aimed to raise critical awareness about the devastating impacts of these clashes.
These impacts ripple through community stability, the state’s fragile economy, and overall social cohesion.
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He highlighted the indispensable role community leaders and traditional rulers play in mediating disputes early, before they escalate into violence.
In response, the Emir of Fika, Mohammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idrissa, warmly welcomed the NUJ’s initiative and commended the journalists for their proactive stance and explicitly acknowledged the severe impact of the farmer-herder conflict in the society.
“It is my pleasure to hear about your accomplishments and to express appreciation for your excellent work, particularly in your reporting of events and documentation of activities
“We congratulate you on your success in reporting accurately and without disinformation. We are aware of the constraints you sometimes face in your career. Some people, including governments at times, are not always happy.
“However, you have prioritised the truth and reported clearly. We are very pleased with your work,” said the Emir of Fika.
Also speaking at his palace, the Emir of Bade, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Sulaiman, said part of the measures the emirate is taking to curtail farmer-herder conflict include stopping herders from grazing livestock after 6 pm, prohibiting them from sending small children to tend animals, and preventing farmers from cultivating crops on animal migration routes, among other measures.
“We have also established special patrol teams to monitor farms and assess the situation firsthand.
“The government has established grazing reserves in our emirate that contain a hospital, a school, and a borehole. We appeal for the construction of additional water points and grazing feed for the animals,” said the traditional leader.
All the visited emirs pledged the full support of their respective emirate councils in actively promoting peace and reaffirmed their commitment to sensitising both farmers and herders under their jurisdiction on the urgent need for dialogue and mutual respect.
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