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From Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe
The Gombe State Police Command has intensified efforts to prevent farmers-herders clashes by convening key stakeholders to identify the root causes of the conflict and develop practical solutions before tensions escalate.
Speaking with journalists after the stakeholders’ engagement, the Commissioner of Police, Umar Ahmed Chuso, said the meeting aligned with the community policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, describing the initiative as a proactive measure aimed at addressing emerging challenges before they develop into violent confrontations.
He said the deliberations brought together farmers, herders, traditional rulers and other critical stakeholders, who openly discussed the factors responsible for recurring disputes and jointly proposed strategies for achieving lasting peace.
According to him, participants unanimously agreed that sustaining cordial relationships between farmers and herders remains essential to preventing conflict. He stressed that both groups must understand and respect each other’s rights while promoting dialogue, mutual understanding and cooperation at the community level.
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The CP also commended the Gombe State Government for establishing a high-powered committee to identify and demarcate grazing routes and grazing reserves across the state. He described the initiative as a model worthy of emulation, noting that clearly defined grazing corridors and reserves would help prevent encroachment on farmlands while providing herders with designated routes and grazing areas.
Chuso expressed confidence that the engagement would yield positive results, saying participants had valuable lessons to take back to their respective communities. He added that similar engagements would be extended to the ward level to deepen community participation and strengthen conflict prevention mechanisms.
Responding to questions on whether the meeting was prompted by a surge in clashes, the commissioner said there had been no significant escalation of farmers-herders conflicts in the state. He explained that although isolated cases occur during the farming season, the command decided to act proactively to prevent violence.
The police boss further disclosed that he had already undertaken extensive visits to area commands, divisions and communities across the state and pledged to sustain the community engagement visits as part of the command’s strategy for maintaining peace, security and public confidence.
