Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, has set up a panel to broker peace in the perennial farmers/herders’ conflict that has claimed lives and property in the state.

According to him, the farmers/herders’ conflict over pastures and water points could be resolved through the constitution of a peace committee. Convening the peace committee, yesterday, in Gambouru/Ngala, Zulum disclosed: “Today’s inauguration of the committee was to foster peace and harmony among the warring farmers and pastoralists in the Lake Chad Basin.”

The governor said the committee was to investigate the causes of conflicts between farmers and herders in the state.

“You are to re-establish the defunct cattle routes and identify grazing reserves, which have not been adequately utilised,” he said, adding that the committee’s recommendations would guide the government in addressing the root of the conflict.

The committee led by Tijjani Guzamala, the Special Adviser-designate, comprises representatives of the police, Department of State Services (DSS), Emirate Councils, Miyetti Allah, Alhaya Association and the Governor’s Office. He noted that the peace deal was, however, reached after weeks of tension and uncertainty in the various communities in the basin.

While commending the warring parties, Zulum urged the farmers and herders to shun all acts that could lead to further conflict among them. The governor, therefore, assured that the government would take necessary measures to prevent further clashes between herders and farmers in the state.