Gombe gov inaugurates AIG Zubairu Halilu’s committee to mitigate farmer-herder clashes
By Ben Ngwakwe
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, has inaugurated a committee to assess cattle routes, grazing, game and forest reserves in the state to forestall the farmers and herders clashes that often results in the lose of lives and food crops in the state.
Speaking at the inauguration of the committee on cattle routes, grazing, game and forest reserves in the state, on Thursday, the Governor said the setting up of the committee has demonstrated his commitment towards environmental restoration in order to mitigate the effects of climate change.
He explained that for many years, cattle routes, grazing, game and forest reserves have long been part of the cherished natural endowment and they contributed to the biodiversity and rich agricultural heritage, adding that the encroachment upon these lands posed serious threats to their existence, threatening ecological balance and the livelihoods of both farmers and herders.
Yahaya said, “Today, most of our cattle routes have been encroached upon, distorting centuries old nomadic migration paths, and setting herders in conflict with farming communities. Similar thing is happening to our grazing, game and forest reserves, where most of them are either been encroached or not properly gazetted. This state of affairs is unsustainable
” Our administration has recognized the importance of environmental sustainability in fostering peace and security in our communities. That informed our decision to couple the issue of insecurity with that of environmental degradation and climate change. Because, at the heart of most resource-based conflicts is the issue of climate change.
“In northern Nigeria today, deforestation and encroaching desertification are driving nomadic communities inwards, thus bringing them into conflict with farming communities, and jeopardizing centuries of inter-communal harmony and stability. To address those security challenges, we must first address their root causes which is environmental degradation that is fuelled by climate change and lack of compliance with extant rules and regulations across all divides.”
According to him, they faced the peril of climate change and its attendant consequences and they have no other option than to act now.
“It is our collective duty to act decisively and ensure the restoration and protection of our grazing, forest and game reserves. Therefore, this committee is necessary in order to reverse the ugly trend, restore our ecological balance, and promote environmental and livelihoods sustainability,” Yahaya said.
The Committee inaugurated include;
AIG Zubairu Muazu Halilu – Chairman
ii. Barr. Ibrahim Hussain – Legal Adviser
iii. Alhaji Hammadu Abubakar (Katukan Gombe) – Member
iv. ACP Ibrahim Bappa – Member
v. Hon. Muh’d Magaji Gettado – Member
vi. Col. Abdullahi Bello (Rtd) – Member
vii. Hon. Lamiya Simon – Member
viii. Hon. Ahmed Abubakar Walama – Member
ix. Mal. Ibrahim Musa Miyabe. – Member
x. Col. Sani Adamu Depsia – Member
xi. Dr. Barnabas Malle – Member
xii. Alhaji Ali Jijji Gadam – Member
xiii. Hon. Umar Ahmed Suleiman – Member
xiv. Hon. Shuaibu Umar Galadima – Member
xv. Hon. Dauda Batari Maaji – Member
xvi. Hon. Mamman Alkali – Member
xvii. Surv. Zakari Abubakar Difa – Member
xviii. Surv. Umaru Lamido – Member
xix. Surv. Bakari Keletuma – Member
xx. Modibbo Sadiq Ahmed – Member
xxi. Modibbo Yahaya Gombe – Member
xxii. Ardo Chindo Abubakar – Member
xxiii. Alhaji Ahmed Bello Gombe – Member
xxiv. Rep. of Commissioner of Police – Member
xxv. Rep. of State Director, DSS – Member
xxvi. Rep. of Commandant NSCDC – Member
xxvii. Rabiu Abubakar – Secretary
According to Yahaya, the terms of reference of the Committee are:
(i) Determine the number of locations of gazette game/grazing/forest reserves in the State;
(ii) Trace cattle routes that were blocked leading to perennial and incessant clashes between nomadic herdsmen and farmers in the State;
(iii) Determine how many, if any, of the gazette game/grazing/forest reserves have been officially de-gazetted, when, why and by whom;
(iv) Determine whether any, and if so which, of the gazette game/grazing/forest reserves have been encroached upon; by who, when and on whose authority; and the size/level of such encroachment;
(v) Determine how many, if any, cattle routes were encroached upon, when and by whom;
(vi) Recommend appropriate sanctions against the person or authority that allowed such encroachment;
(vii) Recommend appropriate disciplinary action against any person or authority that failed, refused, or neglected to safeguard the gazette game/grazing/forest reserves and cattle routes from encroachment;
(viii) Recommend the time within which the encroacher shall vacate the occupied gazette game/grazing/forest reserves or cattle routes;
(ix) Recommend ways and means to reclaim cattle routes; or alternatively recommend new routes; and
(x) Make any other recommendation relevant to the general mandate of the Committee.
The Governor called on them to approach the task with unwavering commitment, open minds, and hearts attuned to the voices of the communities as well as engage with stakeholders, listen to their concerns, and collaborate with relevant agencies to foster a harmonious coexistence between conservation and development.
He urged them to discharge their duties with integrity, patriotism and dedication, hoping that their assessments and recommendations would form the bedrock of the action plan to protect these reserves from further encroachment and restore their natural vitality, and to foster sustainable peace and prosperity for the people.
“It is through our combined efforts that we will preserve our biodiversity, foster sustainable grazing and agricultural practices, improve rural livelihoods, and safeguard our environment”, while assuring them of his administration’s continuous support and commitment to the preservation of the environment and the conservation of the natural resources,” the governor added.
