NUJ Yobe Launches peace Campaign on Farmer-Herder Conflict

 

By Yusuf A Yusuf, Dramaturu 

The Yobe State Chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) launched a significant peace initiative through sensitization campaign specifically targeted the state's traditional institutions in response to the persistent and damaging farmer-herder conflicts.

Leading the effort, State NUJ Chairman Comrade Rajab Mohammad Ismael guided a media delegation on visits to key traditional rulers.The team met with the Emirs of Fika, Alhaji Muhammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idrissa,Bade, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Sulaiman and that of  Jajere Emirate, Alhaji Mai Hamza Buba Ibn Isa Mashio at their respective palaces.

The NUJ delegation engaged directly with these Emirs, recognized as vital custodians of culture and peace within their Emirates.Their discussions centered on developing concrete strategies to mitigate the recurring clashes between farmers and herders.

Speaking at the palace of His Royal Highness, the Emir of Fika,Alhaji Muhammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idrissa,Comrade Rajab Ismael emphasized the media's crucial role. He stated the media must go beyond simply reporting events to actively foster understanding and build sustainable peace.

"Our purpose in visiting the palaces of the Emirs of Fika,Bade,and Jajere is to sensitize the traditional institution on the grave dangers of this conflict and to explore collaborative pathways towards peace", Said The NUJ Chairman.

He underscored the unique influence of the Emirates in reaching grassroots communities and promoting essential dialogue.

Ismael elaborated that the campaign aimed to raise critical awareness about the devastating impacts of these clashes. These impacts ripple through community stability, the state's fragile economy, and overall social cohesion. 

He highlighted the indispensable role community leaders and traditional rulers play in mediating disputes early, before they escalate into violence.

In response,the Emir of Fika,Mohammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idrissa, warmly welcomed the NUJ's initiative and commended the journalists for their proactive stance and explicitly acknowledged the severe impact of the farmer-herder conflict within their domains.

"It is my pleasure to hear about your accomplishments and to express appreciation for your excellent work, particularly in your reporting on events and documented activities

"We congratulate you on your success in reporting accurately and without disinformation.We are aware of the constraints you sometimes face in your reporting.Some people,including governments at times, are not always happy.

"However, you have stuck to the truth and reported clearly. We are very pleased with your work",said Emir of Fika.

Also speaking at his palace ,the Emir of Bade, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Sulaiman said,Part of the measures the Emirate is taking  to curtail farmer-herder conflict include stopping herders from grazing livestock after 6 pm, prohibiting them from sending small children to tend animals, and preventing farmers from cultivating crops on animal migration routes, among other measures across the Emirate. 

"We have also established special patrol teams to monitor farms and assess the situation firsthand.The government has established grazing reserves in our Emirate that contain a hospital, a school, and a borehole.We appreciate this, but we appeal for the construction of additional water points and grazing feed for the animals," said the Bade Emirate.

All the Visited Emirs pledged the full support of their respective Emirate Councils in actively promoting peace and committed to sensitizing both farmers and herders under their jurisdiction on the urgent need for dialogue and mutual respect.