Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has applauded the ongoing peacebuilding efforts between farmers and pastoralists in Guri Local Government Area, describing it as a model for conflict resolution in Nigeria’s rural communities.
Speaking at a peace durbar organized by Fulani community leader, Lamido Gide, during the state government’s citizen engagement programme, “Gwamnati da Jama’a”, Governor Namadi emphasized that sustainable peace can only be achieved through community-led initiatives. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting such grassroots peace efforts across Jigawa State.
“I commend Lamido Gide and other traditional leaders for their dedication to reconciliation and peaceful coexistence. The progress witnessed here in Guri is a testament to what unity and dialogue can accomplish,” the governor stated.
Two Years of Peaceful Coexistence in Guri
In an interview with journalists, Lamido Gide revealed that his decision to spearhead the community reconciliation was driven by the need to restore harmonious relations between the Hausa farming communities and Fulani pastoralists in the area.
“For over two years now, we have not recorded any violent clashes between farmers and herders in Guri. Any disagreements that arise are swiftly resolved through mutual understanding and dialogue,” Lamido Gide disclosed.
The peace durbar, which featured colorful processions of horse and camel riders, brought together community leaders from various wards and villages within the local government area, further strengthening the bond between the two groups.
Commercial Activities Flourish as Peace Returns
Also speaking at the event, the District Head of Guri, Malam Isma’ila Guri, expressed satisfaction with the enduring peace and its positive impact on the local economy. He noted that since the peace accord was reached, there have been no reports of farm vandalization or cattle route encroachments, allowing agricultural and commercial activities to thrive once again.
“The people of Guri have embraced peace, and we urge everyone to remain law-abiding and resolve any disputes amicably,” Malam Isma’ila Guri advised.
A Model for Community Reconciliation in Nigeria
The peace initiative in Jigawa’s Guri Local Government has been widely praised as an example of effective grassroots conflict resolution between farmers and herders — a challenge that has troubled several parts of Nigeria for years. Stakeholders have called for the replication of such locally driven reconciliation models in other conflict-prone communities across the country.
