International Alert, Save the Children International supported by European Union (EU) organised workshop to end farmers and herders clashes in Yobe.
Mr Williams Ubimago, the Programme Manager International Alert disclosed this at a one-day stakeholders’ workshop on Wednesday in Damaturu.
Ubimago said they observed with dismay how farmers and herders clashes occured in some parts the state every year, especially after every farming season.
“As peacebuilding organisations, we are approached by some concerned stakeholders to facilitate discussions that will bring solutions of the conflicts between farmers and herders in Gujba local government area.”, said
He added that at the end of the workshop the stakeholders, especially from the affected communities would be able to have a working document that is locally informed.
According to him, such document would to spell out how to resolve the conflicts before they escalate into violence.
“We also hope to tap from other models within other local government areas that achieved the desired goal, in order to replicate same in Gujba.”, added.
Ubimago also said other partners were State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Protection Sector Working Group, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Local Alternative Dispute Resolution committee.
Speaking at occasion Alhaji Haro Abubakar, the Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria Gujba local government called on his people to be law-abiding.
He called on government and other stakeholders to understand the role of herders to economic development of the country.
He emphasised that government should provide grazing reserves and secured cattle routes across the country.
In his part, the Chairman Gujba local government farmers association called for urgent government’s intervention from unscrupulous trespassers.
He said farmers had already suffered enormous damage from flooding.
“We enjoined government to put its mechanisms in place to protect us until we pack our farm produce, otherwise the lost could be unbearable.”, he said.
