Niger State Commissioner for Nomadic and Pastoral Affairs, Umar Ahmad Rabe, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders across the state.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, the commissioner said the administration is implementing measures to strengthen harmony between farming and pastoral communities through dialogue and reconciliation.
He said the ministry has established reconciliation committees to address disputes between farmers and herders, noting that the initiative has recorded about 70 percent success in resolving conflicts and restoring peaceful relationships.
According to him, the state government remains committed to bringing all affected groups together to identify the root causes of insecurity and other challenges facing Fulani nomadic communities with a view to finding lasting solutions.
Umar Ahmad Rabe appealed to community and traditional leaders to support security agencies by identifying and handing over criminal elements to the appropriate authorities, stressing that sustainable peace depends on collective action.
He said isolating criminals from law-abiding citizens would help eliminate insecurity and improve trust among communities, urging Nigerians to support ongoing peacebuilding initiatives.
The commissioner noted that criminal activities such as cattle rustling, banditry and kidnapping have also severely affected Fulani pastoralists, who, he said, are among the major victims of the crimes.
He urged the public to avoid profiling entire ethnic groups because of the actions of a few individuals, stressing that criminality should be attributed to those responsible rather than their ethnicity.
Umar Ahmad Rabe said the Niger State Government is also strengthening livestock management by introducing measures to properly identify animals, their owners, locations and health status to curb cattle rustling and improve animal husbandry across the state.
INT/ Bashir M
