By Hadiza Ibrahim Ngulde (9NEWS NIGERIA, YOBE STATE)
Efforts to address the longstanding conflicts between farmers and herders in Yobe State has entered a new phase under the leadership of Governor Mai Mala Buni.
The state government, in collaboration with various stakeholders, has launched the second phase of its Farmers/Herders dialogue initiative, which focuses on data validation and dialogue sessions across eight Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The local government areas include Gujba, Gulani, Tarmuwa, Bursari, Geidam, Yunusari, Machina, and Yusufari.
The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), alongside the Office of the Security Adviser to the Governor, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, and partners like the Network of Civil Society Organizations, United Nations OCHA, and Plan International, oversee the initiative.
It aims to analyze the root causes of conflicts, explore strategies to mitigate tensions, and evaluate existing support mechanisms for affected households while identifying areas for improvement.
This phase builds upon the successes recorded in the first phase, conducted between 2023 and 2024 across nine LGAs, including Potiskum, Fika, Fune, Damaturu, Nangere, Karasuwa, Nguru, Jakusko, and Bade.
During the initial phase, data validation and comprehensive analysis of community-level challenges provided insights that are now guiding the ongoing dialogue sessions.
The sessions bring together key stakeholders, including representatives from LGAs, security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, farmers, herders, youth groups, and women’s associations, ensuring that the perspectives and concerns of all parties involved are adequately addressed.
Following the LGA-level discussions, the state government plans to hold a state-level validation meeting to present recommendations aimed at fostering sustainable peace and development in the state.
Governor Buni has reiterated his administration’s commitment to resolving the conflict, emphasizing that harmony between farmers and herders is essential for social cohesion and economic progress.
