By Our Correspondent

The Chairman of the Gombe State Farmers/Herders Settlement and Dispute Prevention Committee, Dr. Barnabas Malle, has directed chairmen of the eleven local government areas particularly those sharing borders with other states to intensify efforts in blocking herders’ entry points until the end of January 2026 to ensure a peaceful and successful harvest season.

Dr. Malle, who is also the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Cooperatives, gave the directive during a meeting with committee members held at the ministry’s conference hall. The meeting was convened to review last year’s achievements and to strategize towards ensuring a hitch-free harvest this year.

The commissioner emphasized that inter-local government movement of herders remains restricted, while the ban on night grazing between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. is still in full force. He also cautioned farmers against harvesting or transporting crops during the same night hours, stressing that such measures are aimed at preventing unnecessary conflicts and ensuring safety across the state’s farming communities.

Dr. Malle urged both farmers and herders to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, advising them instead to report any grievances or disputes to the nearest authorities for prompt and lawful resolution.

While expressing appreciation to Governor Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his unwavering commitment to policies that promote peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders, the committee chairman called for the continued support of traditional rulers and security agencies to ensure the success of this year’s exercise.

In their separate remarks, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Lt. Col. Abdullahi Bello (Rtd), and the State Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Alhaji Modibbo Yaya, commended the committee’s efforts and the cooperation received from both farmers and herders. They pledged to strengthen their collaboration to sustain peace and protect the gains recorded in previous farming seasons.

The state’s proactive stance aims to prevent the perennial farmers, herders conflicts and safeguard agricultural productivity as the harvest season peaks.

By: Zulqarnain Muhammad

In a bold step to combat drug abuse and prevent violent extremism, the Lake Chad Peace and Development Initiative (LCPD) in partnership with Yobe Young Generation Development Association (YOYGEDA), and with funding support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has launched the Youth Against Drug Abuse (YADA) campaign in Yobe State.

The campaign took place on August 3rd and 4th, 2025, in Buni Yadi and Bara towns of Gujba and Gulani LGAs. It brought together over 400 youth, both in-school and out-of-school, for a series of interactive sessions, rallies, and community engagements aimed at creating awareness on the dangers of drug abuse and its link to violent extremism.

Activities during the two-day outreach included discussions with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), drama performances, motivational songs, and testimonies from reformed users and local leaders — all delivered in English and Hausa to reach a wide audience.

The initiative supports Pillar 8 of the Regional Strategy for Stabilization, Recovery, and Resilience (RS-SRR) and aligns with the Yobe State Territorial Action Plan by promoting youth empowerment and peacebuilding at the grassroots.

The campaign also introduced a youth-led drug abuse reporting and referral mechanism in collaboration with NDLEA, setting the stage for long-term community-based solutions to tackle substance abuse and radicalization.

By Abdulazeez Sani Labaran

After months of tension and disruption, peace has returned to Malleri in Kwami Local Government Area of Gombe State, following a successful mediation that resolved a long-standing conflict between farmers and herders. The resolution, achieved through the collaborative efforts of the Kwami LGA administration, the Gombe Network of Civil Society (GONET), and Youth O’clock Nigeria, has led to the reopening of the Kurugu and Bojude markets, which had been shut down due to the crisis.

The conflict, which strained relationships between the farming and herding communities, had threatened food security, economic activities, and local harmony. However, through a series of inclusive dialogue sessions involving community leaders, youth groups, and security agencies, both sides reached a peaceful agreement.

Speaking at the reconciliation event, Deputy Chairman of Kwami LGA, Alhaji Dahiru Ajiya—who represented the Council Chairman, Hon. Ahmad Wali Doho—reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of all residents. He announced the formal allocation of designated grazing lands to herders in the area to minimize future clashes and called on all parties to uphold the peace.

> “This resolution is a victory for everyone,” Ajiya said. “We have allocated grazing areas to reduce encroachment, and we urge both farmers and herders to maintain peaceful coexistence for the growth of our community.”

Ambassador Ibrahim Yusuf, Chairman of the Gombe Network of Civil Society (GONET), praised the inclusive and community-driven nature of the peace process. He urged residents to not only act peacefully but also preach peace and commit to living harmoniously with one another.

> “Conflict resolution is not the duty of government alone. It involves all stakeholders,” Yusuf said. “We must be intentional in building peace from the grassroots level.”

During the event, over 3,000 people were in attendance, including community members and youth leaders. Many called on the government and security agencies to apply fairness in their dealings with cattle rearers, stressing that herders are also citizens and indigenes of Gombe State.

The State Coordinator of Youth O’clock Nigeria, Comrade Abdulazeez Sani Labaran, called on young people to reject violence and embrace dialogue as a means of addressing grievances.

> “Gombe youth are productive citizens who contribute meaningfully to the state’s GDP. We urge them to choose peace because they are the future leaders,” he said.

In a show of appreciation, the leader of the herders’ community, Jauro Hammadu Malleri, thanked the government for bringing development projects to rural areas. He pledged the support of his community in upholding peace and cooperating with local authorities. As a traditional symbol of reconciliation, herders shared kola nuts, signifying the end of hostilities and the beginning of a new chapter.

The mediation effort and the positive outcome have been widely celebrated in Kwami as a milestone toward sustainable peace. Community leaders, stakeholders, and residents pledged continued collaboration to prevent future conflicts and build a more united and prosperous local government area.

The reopening of the Kurugu and Bojude markets has restored economic life to the area, signaling a hopeful return to normalcy and communal harmony.