Stakeholders Convene in Jos to Tackle Farmer-Herder Conflicts, Strengthen Peace Infrastructure
Key stakeholders from government, civil society, and community groups on Tuesday converged in Jos for a multi-level and multi-sectoral roundtable aimed at addressing the persistent farmer-herder conflicts in Plateau State.
The roundtable, themed “Addressing Farmer-Herder Conflicts in the Context of Criminality and Land Disputes,” was organized by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) in collaboration with the Plateau State Peace Building Agency (PSPBA), with support from GIZ under the Peacecore II Project. The event was held at Novel Suites, Jos.
The engagement brought together state and non-state actors, including government officials, traditional leaders, security agencies, and civil society organizations, to foster dialogue and develop practical strategies for sustainable peace.
Speaking at the event, Country Manager of HD, Dr. Chris Agoha, emphasized the importance of inclusive dialogue and coordinated action in addressing the complexities surrounding farmer-herder conflicts.
He noted that violent clashes in the Middle Belt are driven by a mix of factors including land disputes, climate change, banditry, and political manipulation. According to him, the evolving nature of the crisis—now involving kidnapping, cattle rustling, and illegal arms proliferation—has transformed it into a broader security challenge.
Agoha warned that Nigeria’s growing fragility, particularly in rural areas, has created gaps in governance and security, enabling armed groups to thrive. He also cautioned against the increasing reliance on vigilante groups, noting that it often escalates violence and fuels arms proliferation.
Providing updates on the Peacecore II Project, National Expert Adviser of HD Nigeria, Sam Godongs, said the initiative was designed to reduce violence and build resilience across Plateau State through structured coordination and collaboration.
He explained that the project reorganized peace actors across the state’s three senatorial districts to improve coordination and institutionalize peacebuilding efforts under the Plateau State Peace Building Agency.
Godongs highlighted key achievements of the project, including:
- 18 local-level agreements,
- 10 zonal agreements,
- Two frameworks of agreement with local government chairmen,
- Multi-level dialogue engagements,
- Increased participation of women in peace processes.
He noted a significant milestone where women led a cross-border peace dialogue in Northern Plateau, influencing neighboring communities in Kaduna State to consider greater inclusion of women in traditional institutions.
Godongs also identified political activities, especially during election periods, as major triggers of violence, citing youth manipulation, drug abuse, and “winner-takes-all” politics as contributing factors.
In his remarks, Plateau State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Veterinary and Fisheries, Dr. Sunday Akpa, downplayed the perception of widespread farmer-herder conflicts, describing many incidents as localized disputes that can be resolved at the community level.
He stressed the importance of dialogue, mutual understanding, and peaceful coexistence, noting that conflicts are often exaggerated beyond their actual scale.
According to him, sustainable peace can only be achieved when communities embrace reconciliation and take responsibility for resolving disputes internally.
Akpa also emphasized ongoing government efforts in public enlightenment and the promotion of livestock value chains to create economic opportunities and reduce tensions.
Representing the Director-General of the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, Dr. Julie Sanda, Kyenmun Bulus commended the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue for its sustained support in strengthening peace structures across the state.
She described the roundtable as timely, noting that farmer-herder conflicts are deeply rooted in issues of land access, identity, and livelihoods, requiring coordinated and inclusive approaches.
Bulus reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence and strengthening systems that prevent violence, urging participants to focus on practical solutions that will have lasting impact.
The roundtable also featured two highly interactive panel discussions that provided deeper insights into ongoing peacebuilding efforts.
The first panel examined the roles and contributions of various stakeholders in enhancing peace and social cohesion across Plateau State, highlighting ongoing initiatives, challenges, and opportunities for improved collaboration.
The second panel focused on community-driven approaches to addressing insecurity, exploring how local communities can develop and strengthen structures for conflict resolution, early warning, and sustainable peace.
Participants at the roundtable expressed optimism that enhanced collaboration, strengthened early warning systems, and institutionalized peace structures would contribute to a more stable and resilient Plateau State.
The event forms part of ongoing efforts under the Peacecore II Project to build sustainable peace infrastructure and foster long-term stability in conflict-affected communities across the state.
