Stakeholders in Plateau State have launched a comprehensive roadmap aimed at resolving the persistent conflict between farmers and herders, even as fresh violence claimed two lives in Riyom Local Government Area.
The roadmap was unveiled on Tuesday at the headquarters of the Plateau State Peace Building Agency in Jos, marking a major step toward addressing long-standing tensions that have resulted in widespread killings, displacement, and destruction of livelihoods.
Over the past two decades, the state has witnessed the deaths of between 11,000 and 12,000 people, with more than 420 communities affected by recurring violence largely linked to disputes between farmers and herders.
A fact-finding committee set up by Governor Caleb Mutfwang had earlier attributed the crisis to factors such as land competition, historical grievances, and deep-rooted ethnic mistrust.
Speaking at the launch, the Director-General of the Peace Building Agency, Julie Sanda, represented by the Director of Programmes, Nantip Joseph, described the initiative as a critical intervention to tackle recurring violence.
She emphasised the need to sustain dialogue around farmer-herder conflicts, noting that such tensions have dominated the security narrative in Plateau and other affected states.
Also speaking, the Deputy Team Leader of the SPRiNG Programme, Priscilla Ankut, said the guideline was designed to improve relationships between farmers and pastoralists while addressing climate-related pressures on natural resources.
According to her, the initiative is also being implemented in Kaduna State, Benue State, and Katsina State.
The Country Representative of the Hague Institute for Innovation of Law, Ijeoma Nwafor, explained that the guideline integrates global best practices with local realities, incorporating inputs from farmers, herders, and community leaders.
She stressed that the approach prioritises human experiences and communication in conflict resolution, noting that misunderstandings and long-held narratives often fuel disputes.
The roadmap, supported by the UK Department for International Development, aims to provide community actors with practical tools for preventing and resolving land-related conflicts in a fair and transparent manner.
Fresh Attack in Riyom
Meanwhile, tragedy struck in Riyom Local Government Area on Tuesday night when gunmen attacked Rim Village, killing two residents and injuring two others.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers stormed the community around 10:30 p.m., firing sporadically before fleeing into nearby bushes.
A resident, John Sati, said the injured victims were rushed to a hospital for treatment.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Movement, Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the incident, describing it as another troubling episode in the cycle of violence affecting the area.
“Gunmen stormed Rim Village around 10 pm and opened fire. Two people were killed, while two others sustained injuries,” he said.
Tengwong called on security agencies to intensify patrols and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Efforts to reach the Plateau State Police Command spokesperson, Alfred Alabo, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
The latest attack underscores the urgency of implementing sustainable solutions to the protracted conflict, even as stakeholders push for dialogue and community-based peacebuilding initiatives.
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