NOA launches campaign to curb herder-farmer clashes in Yobe

By Ahmed Isah

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has flagged off a sensitisation campaign to promote national cohesion aimed at addressing the persistent herders-farmers conflict in the Yobe

Speaking at the flagg off on Friday in Sabon Gari, Nangere Local Government Area, the agency’s State Director, Alhaji Ali Tikau said the move was to foster mutual understanding between the groups.

“ The campaign was designed to promote awareness on the values of diversity, inclusiveness, tolerance, and social cohesion, especially among farmers and herders.

“The campaign seeks to create sustainable platforms for dialogue, reconciliation, and mutual understanding.

“These are key to resolving grievances and ensuring peace and development in our communities,” he said.

The NOA official commended the Tikau Emirate Council on its efforts in resolving communal disputes and combating social vices.

He assured the council of the agency’s continued partnership with stakeholders to promote peace, and urged both farmers and herders to respect boundaries in the pursuit of their livelihoods to prevent conflicts.

He particularly appealed to farmers to avoid cultivating crops on designated grazing reserves and equally urged herders to refrain from encroaching on farmlands.

In his response, the Galadima of Tikau, Alhaji Sambo Sarki, commended the NOA for the intervention, describing it as timely.

Sarki, who is also the District Head of Degubi, reaffirmed the Emirate’s commitment to peace, as well as urged traditional and religious institutions to support conflict prevention and resolution efforts.

According to the Emir, the council appreciates NOA’s proactive role in fostering national cohesion and promoting harmony among diverse groups.

Our correspondent reports that highlights of the event included an interactive session aimed at strengthening peacebuilding initiatives in the area.