Plateau Stakeholders Unveil Roadmap to End Farmers-Herders Crisis

By Abah Margaret

Stakeholders in Plateau State have unveiled a comprehensive roadmap aimed at resolving the lingering conflicts between farmers and herders, in a renewed push to restore peace and stability across affected communities.

The initiative was launched on Tuesday at the headquarters of the Plateau State Peace Building Agency in Jos, even as fresh violence was reported in the state.

Reports indicate that over 11,000 people have been killed in the past two decades due to recurring clashes, with more than 420 communities attacked and thousands displaced. The crisis, largely driven by disputes over land, historical grievances, and ethnic mistrust, has continued to disrupt livelihoods and social harmony.

The roadmap, developed following recommendations by a fact-finding committee set up by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, seeks to address the root causes of the violence and provide sustainable solutions.

Speaking at the event, the Director General of the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, Dr Julie Sanda, represented by the Director of Programmes, Nantip Joseph, described the initiative as a critical step towards lasting peace.

She noted that the farmer-herder conflict has remained a dominant security challenge in Plateau and other states, stressing the need for continuous dialogue and proactive engagement.

According to her, the programme—supported by the Hague Institute for Innovation of Law (HiiL) and funded through SPRiNG—focuses on preventing conflicts by equipping communities with practical tools for dispute resolution.

Also speaking, Deputy Team Leader for SPRiNG, Priscilla Ankut, said the guideline is designed to strengthen relationships between farmers and pastoralists, not only in Plateau but also in Kaduna State, Benue State, and Katsina State.

She explained that competition over natural resources, particularly land, remains a major trigger of violence, adding that the initiative aims to promote fair, transparent, and peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms.

The Country Representative of HiiL, Ijeoma Nwafor, said the guideline blends global best practices with local realities, incorporating inputs from farmers, herders, and community leaders.

She emphasised the importance of human-centered approaches in resolving disputes, noting that communication and understanding are key to reducing tensions.

The document is expected to empower local actors with accessible and practical strategies to manage disputes and prevent escalation of violence.

Fresh Attack in Riyom

Meanwhile, suspected gunmen on Tuesday night attacked Rim Village in Riyom Local Government Area, killing two persons and injuring two others.

Residents said the attackers stormed the community at about 10:30 p.m., firing indiscriminately before fleeing into nearby bushes.

A local resident, John Sati, confirmed that the injured victims were rushed to a hospital for treatment.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Movement, Rwang Tengwong, also confirmed the incident, describing it as another tragic episode in the persistent insecurity affecting the area.

He called on security agencies to intensify patrols and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the Plateau State Police Command, SP Alfred Alabo, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.