Bauchi Gov Wades Into Farmers, Herders Crisis In Darazo LGA

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has taken proactive step by visiting Darazo LGA to address rising tensions, between herders and farmers, which resulted in loss of lives and means of livelihoods.
The Governor was accompanied on the visit by the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Mr Sani-Omolori Aliyu, Director Department of Security Service, DSS, top security officials and traditional leaders.
A statement issued to newsmen by the Command’s Spokesperson, CSP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, said that together they held an essential peace meeting focused on fostering understanding, and finding practical long-term solutions to the ongoing crisis between them.
Farmers and Herders were encouraged to voice their concerns and share their viewpoints during the gathering, creating a platform for constructive dialogue.
Bala Mohammed underscored the Government’s commitment to addressing these issues and noting the allocation of 2,500 hectares of land in both Sade and Darazo forest reserves for farming purposes.
“However, demographic changes and population pressures have led to feelings of marginalization among herders, contributing to the conflicts,” he acknowledged.
The Governor condemned the violence in strong terms and called for calm from all parties involved, reassured stakeholders of Government’s dedication to enhancing mediation efforts and will take additional steps to encourage peaceful coexistence, ultimately safeguarding lives and livelihoods in the region.
Also, speaking, the CP, Sani-Omolori Aliyu who noted that the country’s security system is presently facing substantial challenges, urged everyone to contribute towards ensuring peaceful and secure society.
“The necessity of a violence-free environment cannot be overstated, as it is a fundamental prerequisite for success in our various pursuits. Peace, safety and security are vital components for fostering the development and enhancement of quality of life within any community.
“These elements create an enabling environment that allows individuals to thrive and work toward society’s social, economic and political advancement.
“Moreover, it is often stated that citizens constitute the most valuable asset in law enforcement. The greater the accountability demonstrated by law enforcement agencies the stronger the trust and partnership with the community, thereby enhancing overall safety.
Sir Robert Peel’s policing principles underscore that ‘ the people are the police, the police are the people ‘.
“This understanding is crucial as crime management represents the most effective policing model. The vision, strategies and leadership actions of the IGP, Mr Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, are firmly rooted in this enduring and proven foundation.
“I want to inform His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State that the command is prepared to deploy human and material resources to address crime and criminal activities within the state.
It is also important to emphasize that no instances of crime will be overlooked with the prior consent of the command.” Sani-Omolori Aliyu concluded.
The visit by the Governor and his team followed recent violent clashes between farmers and herders with casualties recorded.
The Fulani community through its Spokesperson, Mallam Bala Darazo lamented that lack of accessible grazing land has become a serious issue for herders and called on the Government to design special land for grazing.
On his own part, leader of the farming community, Imrana Muhammed Lawal alleged that herders were invading farmlands, assaulting farmers and destroying their property.