Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, has resolved a long-standing dispute between Fulani herders and farmers in Nahutan, Darazo Local Government Area, following weeks of tension.
The governor convened a peace meeting on Sunday, where both sides agreed to end hostilities.
He thanked them for choosing peace and promised that the government would work to prevent future clashes.
Commending both parties for their willingness to engage in dialogue and compromise, Governor Mohammed urged them to uphold peace and remain law-abiding.
He reassured residents that the state government is committed to preventing future clashes between herders and farmers across Bauchi.
The peace meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including representatives of both Fulani herders and the farming community, the member representing Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency, Mansur Manu Soro, members of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, the Darazo Local Government Chairman, traditional rulers, community leaders, and security agencies.
As part of the resolution, the governor announced the constitution of a committee to address recurring disputes.
The committee’s mandate includes restoring defunct cattle routes, identifying underutilised grazing reserves, and demarcating farmlands duly allocated by the state.
Governor Mohammed disclosed that the state had allocated 2,500 hectares each in Sade and Darazo forest reserves for agricultural activities to ensure food security.
He, however, decried the illegal allocation of lands within these reserves by some local officials and traditional leaders.
“All illegal allocations are hereby revoked,” the governor declared, adding that any farmer who cannot cultivate his allocated land must not lease it out.
“If you can’t till the land, don’t give it out on a hire basis to poor farmers. If you do, we will revoke and reallocate it to those who are ready to farm,” he warned.
Condemning the recent violence in Darazo that left several injured, the governor reiterated the importance of restraint and dialogue, promising to strengthen conflict mediation frameworks and enhance peaceful coexistence.
On his part, the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani Omolori, confirmed that security personnel had been deployed to maintain law and order in the affected areas.
DAILY POST reports that a committee has also been set up to look into the causes of the dispute.
The committee will reopen cattle routes, identify grazing areas, and mark farmlands already allocated by the government.