Bauchi Govt Resolves Herders-Farmers Dispute in Toro LGA, Reopens Blocked Cattle Routes

By Uzairu Dauda Bunga:

In a major step towards fostering peace and security in Bauchi State, the high-powered committee on herders and farmers conflicts, established by Governor Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad, has successfully resolved a longstanding dispute involving cattle routes, cattle paths, and the controversial “Dandal Fulako” grazing ground in Busi and Takandan Giwa communities, located in Jama’a District of Toro Local Government Area.

The committee, led by the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr. Bala Musa Lukshi, visited the palace of the District Head of Jama’a, where extensive dialogue was held with all parties involved in the conflict.

Dr. Lukshi stated that Governor Bala is deeply committed to improving the state’s security landscape, noting that herders-farmers conflicts have long been an obstacle to social cohesion and development.

He explained that the dispute in Busi and Takandan Giwa required immediate intervention to prevent its escalation to other parts of Toro LGA.

The Commissioner reminded residents of the Governor’s directive that all blocked cattle routes must be reopened, farming on plateaus, hills, and rocky areas must cease, and that new routes should be established where necessary to maintain peace and avoid security threats.

He stressed that both farmers and herders must coexist peacefully for meaningful progress to take root.

Specifically addressing the controversial imposition of Dandal Fulako by nomads in Takandan Giwa, Dr. Lukshi urged the herders to reverse the action in the interest of peace and mutual understanding.

He also called on all parties to forgive one another and focus on sustainable coexistence, assuring that the government would continue to uphold harmony and synergy among neighboring communities.

Also speaking at the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Alhaji Usman Usman Shehu, emphasized that the Bauchi State Government under Governor Bala prioritizes balanced and just solutions for both farmers and herders.

He noted that the administration is committed to using dialogue and non-violent means to resolve disputes, a strategy that is already yielding positive results across the state.

Alhaji Usman identified a communication gap as a major contributor to the crisis and advised community members to respect each other and avoid spreading rumors.

He urged herders to avoid grazing on cultivated farmlands and reminded farmers to leave a 60-inch space along routes to allow free movement of livestock.

Expressing concern over frequent police involvement in minor disputes, he encouraged both groups to embrace local dialogue mechanisms for conflict resolution and allow the government to focus on development initiatives instead of conflict mediation.

In his remarks, the District Head of Jama’a, Alhaji Bala Sulaiman, pledged full support for the committee’s peace efforts and called on traditional rulers and citizens to cooperate with government policies.

He urged the communities to stop farming on cattle routes, hills, and near highways. He also directed all ward heads to establish “Zauren Sulhu” (Peace Committees) to address disputes locally before they escalate.

A representative of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria Alhaji Kabiru Yusuf Adamu Tilde, commended the swift intervention of the committee following reports from concerned citizens, expressed satisfaction with the government’s response.

Earlier, the Sarkin Fulanin Dangaladiman Bauchi, Alhaji Bello Muhammadu Maude (popularly known as Baushe Boderi), voiced grievances about alleged harassment of herders and the encroachment of farmers on major cattle routes in Busi.

He blamed village leaders—Hardon Zaranda (Malam Zubairu Yakubu), Sarkin Busi (Musa Haladu), and Sarkin Takandan Giwa (Adamu Aliyu)—for the conflict, which led to the unilateral establishment of the Dandal Fulako in Takandan Giwa, however, he pledged to remove the Dandal Fulako following the committee’s intervention.

Responding to the accusations, the named traditional leaders denied the allegations and committed to peaceful coexistence and reconciliation, pledging to resolve their differences for the development of the area.

Following the discussions, the committee, accompanied by the District Head and other stakeholders, visited the disputed areas and forested paths to inspect and ensure justice for all parties.

Blocked cattle routes were reopened, and directives were issued to immediately clear any farmlands encroaching upon designated paths.

The peaceful resolution marks a significant step toward sustained harmony between herders and farmers in Jama’a District and sets a precedent for other areas experiencing similar disputes in Bauchi State.