‘We must restore order through fairness’ — Bala moves to end farmers-herders conflict in Bauchi

Bala Mohammed, governor of Bauchi, says his administration has set up a high-level committee to tackle the recurring crisis between farmers and herders in the state.

The governor said the committee will review all land allocations, clearly demarcate boundaries, and protect grazing reserves and cattle routes to reduce tensions.

The team includes land officials, traditional rulers, and security agencies.

Mohammed spoke on Sunday during a peace dialogue held in Nahuta village, Darazo LGA, following recent violent clashes that left several people injured.

“It is unacceptable for anyone to misuse land intended for multiple purposes. We must restore order through fairness, transparency, and inclusive dialogue,” the governor said.

He warned officials of the Ministry of Lands and Survey, Darazo LGA, and traditional leaders against allocating designated grazing land for farming.

Mohammed said both farmers and herders are critical to the state’s economy and must be treated fairly.

He expressed concern over the growing crisis, blaming it on the encroachment of grazing land and poor land management.

The governor said that in the past two years, about 2,500 hectares of land were allocated from forest reserves in Alia, Sade, and Yautari to meet rising demand for farmland.

But he admitted the move had heightened tensions with Fulani herders, who view it as a violation of their grazing routes and settlements.

“These forests have long served as peaceful grazing areas for herders. Unfortunately, due to population growth and improper land allocations, this balance has been disrupted,” he said.

Mohammed added that Darazo, one of Bauchi’s fastest-growing towns, must manage its expansion to avoid a collapse in agricultural productivity.

Speaking on behalf of the Fulani community, Malam Bala Darazo said the lack of access to grazing land had become a serious problem for herders. He urged the state government to allocate designated areas for them.

Imrana Muhammad Lawal, who leads the farming community, accused herders of invading farmlands and attacking farmers.

Sani Omolori Aliyu, commissioner of police in Bauchi, said he convened a strategic meeting with stakeholders at the start of the rainy season to address recurring conflicts.

He assured residents that security agencies would enforce existing peace agreements and work with all parties to maintain law and order in Darazo and beyond.