Governor Buni Advances Phase 2 Of Farmers/Herders Dialogue to Foster Peace

Governor Buni Advances Phase 2 of Farmers/Herders Dialogue to Foster Peace

By Hussaini Ibrahim Sulaiman

DAMATURU: Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to promoting peace and resolving the long-standing farmers/herders conflict. As part of this dedication, Phase 2 of the Farmers/Herders Dialogue initiative has been launched, focusing on data validation and dialogue sessions in eight Local Government Areas (LGAs).

This initiative, spearheaded by the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), in collaboration with the Office of the Security Adviser, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, and key partners such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Network of Civil Society Organizations, United Nations OCHA, and Plan International, aims to address the root causes of conflicts and foster lasting harmony.

As efforts progress into the second phase, attention has turned to the LGAs of Gujba, Gulani, Tarmuwa, Bursari, Geidam, Yunusari, Machina, and Yusufari. This phase is designed to validate and analyze data collected from 2018 to 2024, identify the underlying causes of conflicts, explore effective mitigation strategies, enhance the participation of local stakeholders in reducing tensions, and evaluate support mechanisms for affected households while identifying areas for improvement.

Building on the achievements of the first phase, which was conducted between 2023 and 2024, the groundwork laid in the nine LGAs covered earlier – including Potiskum, Fika, Fune, Damaturu, Nangere, Karasuwa, Nguru, Jakusko, and Bade – is now serving as a foundation for targeted interventions in the remaining LGAs.

The dialogue sessions bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from LGAs, security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, farmers, herders, youth, women’s associations, vigilante groups, and civil defense corps. This inclusive approach ensures that all perspectives are considered in the peacebuilding process.

Upon completion of these LGA-level engagements, the findings will be validated and disseminated at the state level. This final step will present actionable recommendations aimed at fostering harmony, improving livelihoods, and promoting sustainable development throughout Yobe State.

Governor Mai Mala Buni remains steadfast in his pursuit of peace and prosperity for all residents of the state. Through this initiative, he is not only addressing immediate conflicts but also building a foundation for enduring coexistence and community resilience.

“Together, we are creating a future where farmers and herders can coexist peacefully, thrive economically, and contribute to the development of Yobe State,” the governor stated.