By Charles Akpeji Jalingo

In a proactive move to prevent renewed clashes between herders and farmers, the Taraba State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) has embarked on a sensitisation mission to conflict-prone areas in the state ahead of the upcoming rainy season.

The initiative, which began in Karim Lamido Local Government Area, a region recently affected by violent clashes, aims to promote peaceful co-existence and dialogue between farmers and Fulani herders.

The conflict had previously led to loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of hundreds of residents.
Leading the delegation yesterday, Mr. Fila Body Simon, a conflict prevention and mediation expert, addressed community members, emphasising the importance of harmony.

“We are here to encourage you to live in peace with one another as the rainy season approaches. Crisis benefits no one—everyone suffers. Development cannot thrive in a climate of hostility,” he said.

Also speaking during the event, Mr. Isiaka, the State Husbandry Officer, and Mrs. Rahab John Machoko, a Gender-Based Violence advocate, urged community leaders to educate their youth on the importance of peace and to discourage vigilantism.

Representing the Gwomu community, Mr. Simon Gideon, Secretary to the District Head, lamented the recent violence, which he attributed to external influences.

He reported that over 200 people, mostly women and children, were displaced, just as he appealed to the government and charitable organisations for additional support to alleviate their suffering.

Leaders of herder associations, including Ardo Jarenga Galda, National Chairman of Tabitha Fuluku Jonde Jam, and Ardo Baleri Galara, Chairman of the Miyetti Allah branch in Karim Lamido, expressed gratitude to the state government and L-PRES for their continued intervention. They pledged their commitment to lasting peace and cooperation.

“The support we’ve received gives us every reason to live in harmony,” said Ardo Galda. “To go back to conflict would be to betray the confidence placed in us.”

However, the leaders also highlighted ongoing challenges such as the shortage of vaccines, lack of grazing routes, and limited access to water. They appealed for continued government and project support to address these issues and sustain peace in the region.