Stakeholders in Jigawa State have outlined a roadmap aimed at ending recurring clashes between farmers and herders, as the state grapples with rising tensions that have claimed lives and destroyed farmlands in recent weeks.

In response, the Jigawa State chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria organised a one-day stakeholders’ engagement seminar to foster dialogue and develop sustainable solutions to the long-standing conflict. The meeting, held on Wednesday at the Sir Ahmadu Bello Hall in Dutse, brought together farmers, herders, security agencies, traditional leaders, and other relevant groups.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of AFAN in Jigawa State, Engr. Auwalu Garba said the engagement was designed to promote mutual understanding and collective problem-solving among all parties. He noted that peace and stability could only be achieved through cooperation, dialogue, and commitment from farmers, herders, security agencies, and community leaders across the state’s 27 local government areas.

Garba described the seminar as a critical step toward addressing the persistent farmers–herders conflict, stressing that lasting peace would depend on the willingness of stakeholders to respect agreements reached and work together at both state and grassroots levels.

Presenting the roadmap at the seminar, Prof. Ado Jangargari emphasised the importance of public enlightenment on forest reserves, grazing reserves, and designated cattle routes. He said government authorities must intensify awareness campaigns, strengthen law enforcement, and promote modern animal husbandry practices to reduce pressure on farmlands.

Jangargari identified key challenges fueling the conflict, including encroachment on grazing reserves, poor public awareness, inadequate grazing facilities, weak enforcement of existing laws, and the allocation of grazing lands to private individuals. He urged traditional and religious leaders to take the lead in conflict resolution within their communities to help restore peace.

Participants at the seminar also called on security agencies to enforce the law without bias and ensure that anyone found responsible for instigating violence is held accountable. Alhaji Bello Fulani, a representative of Miyetti Allah, expressed hope that the initiative would put an end to what he described as needless violence and bloodshed in the state.

Similarly, Ibrahim Adamu of the Birnin Kudu Farmers Association reaffirmed the commitment of farmers to peaceful coexistence, saying all parties must work together to secure lasting peace and prosperity in Jigawa State.

The seminar attracted representatives of groups such as Miyetti Allah, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Fulbe Awareness and Peace Orientation Association, Gal Allah Fulbe, and Fulbe Political Awareness, alongside security agencies and media practitioners, reflecting a broad-based effort to resolve the crisis