The Gombe State Government has begun steps to prevent possible farmer-herder conflicts ahead of the 2026 farming season by enforcing regulations guiding grazing reserves, forest reserves, game reserves and designated cattle routes across the state.
This follows the commencement of the implementation phase of the White Paper on the recommendations of the Assessment Committee earlier inaugurated.
Chairman of the White Paper Implementation Committee, AIG Babaji Sunday (Rtd.), disclosed this during advocacy visits to traditional rulers in Funakaye and Nafada Local Government Areas.
He explained that the committee has already commenced sensitisation and stakeholder engagement to ensure that farmers, herders and community leaders are adequately informed before the start of the next farming season.
Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn
According to him, the implementation of the approved recommendations by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya is expected to strengthen security and promote peaceful coexistence by clearly defining and protecting gazetted land-use areas.
"The aim is to ensure that grazing reserves, forest reserves, game reserves and cattle routes are respected in line with the law so that unnecessary conflicts between farmers and herders can be avoided," he said.
In a statement by the governor's director general on press affairs, Ismaila Uba Misilli on Thursday, AIG Sunday stressed that the committee is working closely with traditional institutions to ensure smooth enforcement of the regulations across communities.
He noted that traditional rulers play a critical role in community mobilisation and conflict prevention, which informed the committee's advocacy visits to key palaces to brief them on the implementation process.
Also speaking, the Emir of Yamaltu, Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu, who represents the Gombe State Council of Emirs and Chiefs on the Implementation Committee, described the assignment as vital for sustaining the peace currently enjoyed in the state.
He warned residents against encroaching on gazetted forest reserves, grazing reserves and cattle routes, urging farmers to put their farmlands in order to avoid sanctions.
The emirs pledged their support for the initiative, assuring that traditional institutions would work with ward heads, Ardos and local government authorities to ensure awareness and compliance.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
Similarly, the chairmen of Funakaye and Nafada Local Government Areas expressed readiness to support the enforcement process, noting that the reforms would help safeguard agricultural activities, improve security and promote long-term socio-economic stability in the state.
