Plateau Peace Accord: Farmers and Herders Unite

Plateau State: Farmers and Herders Forge Peace Pact in Bid to End Decades of Conflict

A significant step towards lasting peace in Plateau State, Nigeria, has been taken as a prominent rights group successfully brokered a peace pact between farming and herding communities. The Youth Initiative Against Violence and Rights Abuse (YIAVHA) has rallied these traditionally clashing groups to sign a communal accord aimed at resolving long-standing disputes that have plagued the region for decades.

The ongoing crises between farmers and herders in Plateau State have resulted in a tragic toll, claiming thousands of lives and displacing countless individuals. The recent past has seen continued outbreaks of violence, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable solutions. Just last Tuesday, an incident in Rim Village, Riyom Local Government Area, saw gunmen perpetrate an attack, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to two others, a stark reminder of the volatile situation.

At the heart of these persistent conflicts lie deeply entrenched issues. Disputes over land ownership and access, historical grievances that have festered over generations, and a pervasive ethnic mistrust between the predominantly Christian Berom farmers and the Muslim Fulani herders are frequently cited as primary drivers of the violence. Adding further complexity to the situation, external factors such as the escalating impacts of climate change, shortcomings in governance, and inadequate security measures are believed to exacerbate the existing tensions.

A Collaborative Approach to Conflict Resolution

The recent peace initiative, spearheaded by YIAVHA, represents a deliberate and sustained effort to foster understanding and cooperation. Judith Remson, Manager of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning at YIAVHA, articulated the group’s mission during a gathering in the Bachi community. This event followed months of intensive peace engagement across eight other communities within the Riyom Local Government Area.

“We are here for the signing of a communique,” Remson explained to journalists, “which outlines agreements on tackling issues affecting farmers and herders, such as farm destruction and access to land.” She highlighted that the document was the product of extensive dialogue sessions involving community members from eight distinct villages in the Riyom LGA. These communities, including Bangai Berom, Bangai Fulani, and Bachi, have actively participated in developing the framework for peaceful coexistence.

The overarching objective, Remson emphasized, is to address the core issues that have historically triggered conflict and presented significant challenges for both farming and herding populations. This includes a comprehensive approach to resolving disputes and promoting mutual respect.

Key Commitments for Sustainable Peace

The communique, a testament to the collaborative spirit of the initiative, was meticulously developed through these various dialogue sessions. It bears the signatures of representatives from diverse community groups, including youth organizations, traditional leaders, elders, and women’s representatives.

YIAVHA’s commitment extends beyond mere conflict de-escalation. The organization aims to tackle a broader spectrum of issues, including addressing substance abuse within communities, promoting responsible grazing practices that minimize environmental impact and farmer-herder friction, and establishing joint patrol committees. These committees will play a crucial role in monitoring and responding to incidents of farm destruction and animal harm, thereby providing a tangible mechanism for conflict prevention and resolution.

The signed communique details specific commitments designed to create a more harmonious environment. These include:

• Establishing a Land Access Committee: This committee will be dedicated to mediating and resolving disputes over land ownership and usage, a perennial source of conflict.
• Promoting Responsible Environmental Practices: Both farming and herding communities will work together to adopt sustainable practices that protect the environment and prevent resource-based conflicts.
• Advocating for Nomadic Education: This initiative aims to improve educational opportunities for nomadic herder communities, fostering integration and reducing marginalization.
• Organizing Joint Meetings and Awareness Activities: Regular dialogues and awareness campaigns will be conducted to address issues such as substance abuse and to continually reinforce the message of peace and understanding.

The “Building Bridges for Peace Phase Two” project, under which this peace pact was forged, receives vital funding from the UK, channeled through Tetra Tech, and is actively implemented within the Riyom Local Government Area.

Community Endorsement and Future Hopes

The initiative has garnered significant praise from local authorities and community leaders. Mohammed Shaibu, representing Dr. Julie Sanda, Director General of the Plateau Peace Building Agency, commended YIAVHA’s efforts, describing the intervention as “critical to tackling recurring violence and sustaining dialogue around farmer-herder conflicts.”

Community members themselves have expressed strong support and a commitment to upholding the peace agreements. Thomas Bade, representing the farming community, stated, “Our coming here has helped us understand the challenges, and we’re confident that what we’ve learned will assist us in addressing our common concerns peacefully.” Musa Galadima, from the Fulani community, echoed this sentiment, adding, “We believe the agreements will be implemented, and we’ll make sure peace holds.”

The signing of this peace pact marks a pivotal moment for Plateau State. It signifies a shared determination to move beyond decades of animosity and build a future characterized by mutual respect, understanding, and sustainable peace. The success of this initiative hinges on the continued commitment of all stakeholders to implement the agreed-upon resolutions and foster a culture of dialogue and cooperation.