The Niger State Ministry of Nomadic and Pastoral Affairs and the Minna Emirate’s Wakilin Waka office have jointly organised a stakeholders’ meeting to tackle the ongoing crisis between nomads and host communities in the Niger East senatorial district of the state.
The event, themed “Join Hands With Our Communities in Reviving Lost Relationships,” was aimed at promoting peace and understanding.
Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Nomadic and Pastoral Affairs, Hon. Umar Sanda Rebe, the permanent secretary, Salihu Mohammed Alfa, explained that the ministry was created by the state governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, to aid in peacebuilding among Fulani herders and their host farming communities for the economic prosperity of both sides.
According to him: ” Without peace, there would be no development. We advise that instead of taking guns and cutlasses or sticks, no one should not take matters to the police because it might worsen the issue. Therefore, when there is a misunderstanding, we are urging you to take the matter to the village or district heads.”
In her address, the director of Abdulsalam Abubakar Institute for Peace and Sustainable Development Studies, Dr Diamond P. Nebechukwu, noted the importance of peace, adding that “without peace, there would be no development and there would be no safety and security.”
Dr. Nebechukwu also emphasised the importance of seeking and promoting peace by communities. She noted that by doing so, residents can live without fear, going about their daily lives and providing for their loved ones.
She added: “Once there is conflict, people should not take laws into their own hands but always resolve it amicably, looking at the past relationships that have existed.”
Similarly, the chairman of Chanchaga LGA, Aminu Yakubu Ladan, stated that the need for peaceful coexistence cannot be overemphasised while calling for peace between the Fulani and farmers, as none can live in isolation.
“There is a need to sensitize the farming communities to always leave a route where the Fulanis can easily pass through with their cattle for grazing without resorting to entering people’s farms,” he noted.
Furthermore, Salihu Garba, who is the Wakilin Samarin Minna and represented the Emir of Minna, Alh. Farouk Bahago, explained that the emir has often stated the need for peaceful coexistence between the Fulanis and the farmers, as all sons and daughters of the Emirate.
“Violence had never in history solved a crisis. There is a need to embrace dialogue whenever there is misunderstanding, instead of taking laws into our hands, because peaceful coexistence is the trademark of the emirate, ” he said.
