Plateau farmers, herders sign peace deal amid rising tension

Farmers and herders in six rural com.munities of Bokkos and Riyom local government areas have signed 25 peace agreements to restore peace and calm between members of the groups.

The farmers and herders, including men and women, are drawn from the communities of Sha, Bum, and Sopp in Bokkos and Riyom, where many people were killed, and property destroyed in various conflicts.

The signing of the agreements followed a series of engagements by the Institute for Integrated Transitions (IFIT) to build social cohesion in fragile and conflict-affected rural communities aimed at finding solutions to the violence that has been ravaging the areas in the past.

Lazaros David, a participant and senior district head from Bokkos LGA, described the peace process as crucial given the challenges they’ve faced.

He explained that “the organisers have succeeded in harmonising the communities, especially at the local level. They followed the programme time after time to ensure its success. They identified our problems and discussed them together with us.

“We believe that the agreements will be implemented. In Churches and Mosques, where you often see your people, we’ll make sure this peace holds.”

Another participant, Chiroma Haruna Idris, said the peace process would go a long way in restoring peace and stability between members of herding and farming communities.

He said, “Our coming here has helped us understand the challenges, and we’re confident that what we’ve learned will assist us in addressing our common concerns peacefully without further disruption and confusion. The signed agreements would help address the lingering issues.”

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