Witnessing the Devastation: Why I Changed My Mind on Farmer-Herder Clashes In Taraba

By Linda Berry Cletus

In the past, when it came to farmer-herder clashes, I didn't consider it my business. If I had to take a side, my mind would automatically choose without understanding the root causes or knowing who was at fault.

 

Visiting various communities in Lau and Zing Local Government Areas of Taraba State to witness the impact of these clashes firsthand has given me a deeper understanding of the work needed to resolve farmer-herder conflict.

The North Eastern part of Nigeria, especially Adamawa and Taraba State has seen more terror and bloodshed than serenity in recent times. With the age-old conflict between farmers and herders in these states, one cannot buy ask what measures are stakeholders taking to see an end to this conflict? 

In these parts of the country, the farmer-herder crisis is more than serious and it is tearing communities apart and need urgent unique attention to addressing it.

It's important to correct a common misconception that farmers are not all Christians, and herders are not all Fulani Muslims. This oversimplified view only deepens divisions among communities in Taraba and Adamawa states. This has made the situation more complex and understanding this complexity is crucial for finding a solution.

The impact of these clashes is devastating. Fertile lands are being destroyed, and the people are suffering greatly. Violence has become a constant, staining the land with blood and sorrow.

Both farmers and herders are essential for survival. Farmers grow crops, and herders provide livestock. Yet, instead of working together, they are locked in a deadly conflict. Very soon Nigerians may wake up to no protein, no food, and no neighbors. 

This path of violence is unsustainable. Continuing like this will only lead to more suffering and loss. Finding a way to coexist is important. 

Farmers and herders need to communicate and cooperate. Getting rid of myths and addressing core issues like land use and resource management can help build solutions.

Community leaders, government officials, and religious leaders from both faiths and citizens should work together to create fair policies. These policies should protect both farmers and herders and ensure fair and equal access to resources.

Education and awareness are also crucial, lack of quality education has further deepen the crisis in many communities.

By understanding each other's challenges, it is possible to reduce mistrust and hostility.

 

The road to peace will be difficult, but it is necessary. For the sake of the land and the people, ending the violence and building a harmonious society between farmers and -herders is essential.

 

The choice is clear. Continue on this destructive path, or work towards a future where farmers and herders live peacefully side by side. The answer lies in the actions taken now.

 

 

Linda Berry Cletus is a Jalingo based broadcast journalist and COMITAS II MEDIA FELLOW (2023/2024) with Search for Common Ground, Nigeria.