Stakeholders in Plateau State have unveiled a comprehensive roadmap aimed at resolving the long-standing farmers-herders crisis, in what is being described as a significant step toward restoring peace in the troubled region, even as fresh violence highlights the urgency of the initiative.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The roadmap was launched on Tuesday at the headquarters of the in Jos, the state capital, amid renewed concerns over insecurity following a deadly attack in Riyom Local Government Area.
Over the past two decades, Plateau State has recorded between 11,000 and 12,000 deaths, with more than 420 communities attacked and thousands of residents displaced. The violence, largely linked to clashes between farmers and herders, has resulted in widespread destruction and loss of livelihoods across affected communities.
A fact-finding committee set up by the administration of Governor had attributed the persistent crisis to a combination of factors, including competition for land, historical grievances, and deep-seated ethnic mistrust.
Speaking at the launch, the Director General of the Peace Building Agency, Dr Julie Sanda, who was represented by the Director of Programmes, Nantip Joseph, described the initiative as a welcome development and a crucial step toward addressing recurring tensions in the state. She noted that the farmer-herder conflict has remained a dominant narrative in Plateau and other affected states, stressing the importance of sustained engagement and dialogue to achieve lasting peace.
She explained that the programme, supported by the under the SPRiNG initiative, focuses on preventing farmer-herder conflicts through structured interventions and community-based solutions.
Also speaking, Deputy Team Leader for SPRiNG, Priscilla Ankut, said the guideline forms part of broader efforts to strengthen relationships between farmers and pastoralists, not only in Plateau State but also in Kaduna, Benue, and Katsina states. She noted that findings from their research revealed that many of the triggers of violence are linked to the use of natural resources, particularly land, with several disputes left unresolved over time.
According to her, the guideline is designed to equip community actors with practical tools to prevent and resolve conflicts in a manner that is fair, transparent, and inclusive, while also building resilience against climate-related pressures that often exacerbate tensions.
The Country Representative of HiiL, Ijeoma Nwafor, said the document stands out for combining global best practices with local insights gathered from farmers, herders, and traditional and religious leaders. She emphasised that the approach prioritises human experiences and effective communication, noting that many conflicts stem from long-held narratives and perceptions passed down through generations.
Nwafor added that the guideline incorporates visual elements to enhance understanding and accessibility, stressing that technical language alone cannot address deeply rooted societal issues. The initiative, funded by the UK Department for International Development, focuses on delivering accessible and affordable solutions to land-related disputes, with the aim of promoting justice and peaceful coexistence.
Meanwhile, violence struck again on Tuesday night when gunmen attacked Rim Village in Riyom Local Government Area, killing two persons and injuring two others. Residents said the attackers invaded the community around 10:30 pm, firing gunshots indiscriminately for several minutes before fleeing into surrounding bushes.
A villager, John Sati, confirmed that the injured victims were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention. The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Movement, Rwang Tengwong, also confirmed the incident, describing it as another disturbing episode in the recurring insecurity affecting parts of Riyom and other communities in Plateau State.
He said the attack threw residents into panic and called on security agencies to intensify patrols and ensure that those responsible are apprehended and brought to justice. Efforts to reach the spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, SP Alfred Alabo, for comments were unsuccessful, as his phone was switched off at the time of filing this report.
The latest attack underscores the fragile security situation in Plateau State, even as stakeholders push forward with initiatives aimed at ending years of bloodshed and fostering sustainable peace.