By Suzan Edeh, Bauchi
Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed has disclosed that his administration has established a high-level committee comprising land officers, traditional leaders, and security officials to review land allocations, demarcate boundaries, and protect designated cattle routes and grazing reserves.
Bala Mohammed stated this during a visit to Nahutan Darazo Community to settle the lingering dispute between farmers and herders in the state.
The governor noted that it has become imperative to intervene to stop the tension in Darazo Local Government Area, following recent clashes.
” I am deeply concerned over the escalation of hostilities stemming from disputes over land use, especially, incessant violent clashes between herders and farmers leading to unnecessary deaths and destruction of properties”
“The State has decided to allocate 2,500 hectares of forest land for farming activities across the State where some parts are allocated in Alia, Sade, and Yautari in Darazo local government area to meet the growing demand from farmers”
“The forests have, over the years, served the herders peacefully, providing grazing, and livelihood, however, due to demographic pressure and administrative lapses, the allocations have stirred mistrust”he said
He lamented that Fulani herders are believed to have compromised their traditional grazing routes and forest settlements and noted that some of the allocated lands have not been used for farming by the original allottees but rather sublet for profit.
The Governor noted that any allocation contributing to instability may be revoked, praising the efforts of security agencies and local leaders, including Alhaji Bala, a prominent Fulani elder known for championing peace across Bauchi Central.
He stressed on the need for mutual understanding, noting that both farmers and herders play a vital role in sustaining the State’s economy through informal yet indispensable means.
Governor Mohammed reassured stakeholders that the government is dedicated to enhancing mediation efforts and will take additional steps to encourage peaceful coexistence, ultimately safeguarding both lives and livelihoods in the region and acknowledged that demographic changes and population pressures have led to feelings of marginalisation among herders, contributing to the conflicts.
The Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, who was present at the event alongside heads of the DSS, Civil Defence, and Military representatives, affirmed that security agencies responded swiftly upon receiving reports of violence.