By Abdulaziz Ibrahim Hassan

In a bold move to foster peace and prevent conflicts, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Gombe State, has taken proactive steps to resolve the lingering land dispute between the Kinafa and Gwani communities in Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area.

The sensitization event, held at the palace of the Emir of Yamaltu, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu, brought together key stakeholders, religious leaders, and security agencies in a collective call for peace and coexistence.

Addressing the gathering, the State Director of NOA, Adaline Waye Patari, underscored the undeniable link between peace and development, stressing that no society can progress in an atmosphere of discord.

She warned that land disputes, if not properly managed with wisdom, could spiral into full-blown crises, disrupting lives and livelihoods.

“History has shown us that no development can thrive in an environment of unrest. The land in contention today will outlive us all. What matters most is the legacy we leave behind, a legacy of peace, cooperation, and mutual respect,” Patari emphasized.

Religious leaders lent their voices to the call for peace, quoting relevant scriptures that highlight the virtues of harmony and unity.

Community leaders from both sides of the dispute, Acting District Head of Kinafa, Alhaji Musa Usman, and District Head of Gwani, Abubakar Mohammed, pledged their commitment to peaceful coexistence, assuring to educate their people on the importance of tolerance and unity.

Representing the Local Government Chairman, Deputy Chairman Adamu Makama reaffirmed the government’s stance on peace, warning that any further dispute over the contested land could lead to it being declared “No Man’s Land.”

In his royal address, the Emir of Yamaltu, His Royal Highness Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu, called on the communities to embrace peace, work together, and use the sensitization as a foundation for building stronger relationships.

He emphasized that the region’s future depends on its people’s ability to live in harmony.

With high-ranking officials, security agencies, and respected community leaders in attendance, the event served as a crucial step toward lasting peace. It is hoped that this initiative will mark a turning point in resolving disputes amicably and fostering unity in Yamaltu Deba.

By Our Correspondent

Gombe State Government has lifted the restriction on the movement of herders and their livestock across the state, marking a significant step toward fostering peaceful co-existence between farmers and herders.

The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Cooperatives, Dr. Barnabas Malle, during a consultative review meeting with the standing committee on the prevention of farmers-herders disputes in Gombe.

It will be recalled that in October last year, the state government imposed restrictions on the movement of herders within and from neighboring states until January as part of measures to curb recurrent clashes between herders and farming communities.

Dr. Malle commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his support, as well as local government chairmen and community leaders, whose cooperation ensured a peaceful harvest season last year.

“We are grateful for the collaboration of all stakeholders, which led to a peaceful and successful farming season. The lifting of the restriction is a testament to the progress made in fostering harmony between farmers and herders,” the commissioner stated.

He urged community leaders and stakeholders from both the herding and farming communities to sustain the peace that has been established to promote progress and development in the state.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in the state, Modibbo Yaya, emphasized the importance of maintaining peaceful coexistence. He highlighted that farmers and herders rely on each other for the success of their respective businesses.

“We need each other to thrive. Cooperation and mutual respect are key to achieving this,” Yaya said.

The meeting, which included representatives from various security agencies, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to strengthening peace and security.

Observers have lauded the decision to lift the restrictions as a positive move toward enhancing agricultural productivity and fostering harmony in the state. However, they stress the need for continuous dialogue and conflict prevention mechanisms to sustain the peace.

Call for Vigilance

As herders resume movement across the state, stakeholders are urged to remain vigilant and report any disputes to the appropriate authorities to prevent escalation. The government reaffirmed its commitment to swiftly addressing any emerging challenges to safeguard peace and development.

By Our Correspondent

The Maikaltungo of Kaltungo, Engineer Saleh Muhammad Umar, has once again brought together religious leaders from different faiths to offer prayers for peace, unity, and prosperity as the year 2024 comes to an end.

The annual interfaith gathering, which has been held for over 20 years, emphasized the importance of religious harmony and peaceful coexistence in the Kaltungo Chiefdom and beyond.

In his address, Barrister Aliyu Hammari, Deputy Chief Imam of Gombe Central Mosque, highlighted the long-standing relationship between Muslims and Christians, tracing its roots back to the time of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). He emphasized that both faiths share common values and belief in certain scriptures, urging Muslims to continue promoting peace and harmony. He also commended the Maikaltungo for fostering unity through such gatherings.

Speaking on behalf of the Christian community, Reverend Father Shinga, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), called for sustained efforts to strengthen interfaith relationships. He described peace and harmony as the foundation for development, urging Christians and Muslims to work together for the progress of society.

Similarly, Alhaji Bashir Ladan Chairman of Fityanul Islam, emphasized the need for unity and progress among people of different faiths, encouraging all to remain committed to peaceful coexistence. Wakili John, Chairman of the DCC Shangom, also supported calls for unity and collective development.

Prayers were offered by Sheikh Abubakar Mahmud Puma, representing the Chairman of the Council, Sheikh Hamza Adamu Abdulhamid, and Reverend Caleb Uba, CAN Chairman of Shongom Local Government Area. Both clerics prayed for blessings in the coming year and thanked God for witnessing the end of 2024.

In his closing remarks, the Maikaltungo, Engineer Saleh Muhammad Umar, expressed gratitude for the continued tradition of interfaith prayers in Kaltungo Chiefdom. He noted that despite differences in culture and beliefs, the people of Kaltungo have remained united.

“For more than 20 years, we have gathered at the end of every year to pray for peace and prosperity. Our Chiefdom is home to people of different beliefs and cultural backgrounds, but we use this festival to strengthen our unity and love for one another. May Allah accept our prayers and bless us all,” he said.

The annual interfaith prayers in Kaltungo have become a symbol of unity and peaceful coexistence, serving as a reminder of the shared values that bind the people together. Leaders from both faiths reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining harmony and working towards a prosperous future for the region.