Kogi Holds Stakeholders’ Meeting on Conflict Prevention and Peace Building Among Fulani Herdsmen, Crop Farmers and Community Dwellers
By Ademu Hannah
Lokoja
The Kogi State Government, in collaboration with key stakeholders, has reaffirmed its strong commitment to conflict prevention, peace building, peaceful coexistence, and sustainable agricultural development across the state.
The Honourable Commissioner for Livestock Development, Kogi State, Dr. Olufemi Bolarin, made this known during the Statewide Stakeholder Engagement Meeting on Farmer–Herder Conflict held on 26 February at the Government House (Glass House), Lokoja. The high-level engagement was convened by Kogi L-PRES and brought together representatives of Local Government Councils, traditional rulers, leaders of farmers’ and pastoralist associations, youth and women groups, security agencies, development partners, and other critical stakeholders.
In his address, Dr. Bolarin commended Kogi L-PRES for organizing what he described as a timely and strategic forum that aligns with the development priorities of the administration of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.
He noted that farmer–herder conflict remains a significant challenge in Kogi State, with far-reaching consequences such as disruption of livelihoods, reduced agricultural productivity, destruction of property, and heightened community tensions. Given the state’s strategic location along major livestock routes and its vast agricultural potential, he stressed that the impact of such conflicts is particularly profound.
The Commissioner emphasized that conflict prevention and peace building should not be viewed solely as security concerns but as critical development priorities. According to him, sustainable growth in both livestock and crop production can only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace, cooperation, mutual respect, and shared responsibility.
Dr. Bolarin identified the major causes of farmer–herder conflict to include competition over land and water resources, crop damage and livestock losses, encroachment on grazing areas, weak communication and mistrust among stakeholders, and delayed response to emerging tensions. He noted that addressing these issues requires fairness, constructive dialogue, strengthened institutions, and proactive intervention mechanisms.
He outlined the Kogi State Government’s strategic approach to mitigating conflicts, which includes:
Strengthening mediation and dialogue platforms within communities
Promoting clear access and usage regulations for shared resources and livestock infrastructure
Improving early warning and reporting systems to prevent escalation
Enhancing collaboration with security agencies to maintain law and order
Protecting the livelihoods of both farmers and pastoralists as key contributors to food security and economic growth
Also speaking at the engagement, the Traditional Ruler, the Ohi of Okegwe, emphasized the need for peace at all costs. He called on all parties—farmers, herders, community leaders, and youth—to embrace dialogue, tolerance, and mutual understanding as essential tools for sustaining harmony and development within their communities.
Dr. Bolarin further stressed that lasting peace cannot be achieved by government alone, calling for collective responsibility and sustained commitment from all stakeholders.
He urged:
Traditional rulers to continue fostering dialogue and reconciliation within their domains
Local Government Councils to strengthen grassroots coordination and conflict response mechanisms
Leaders of farmers’ and pastoralist groups to promote responsible and lawful practices
Youth and women to actively champion peace building initiatives
Security agencies to maintain professionalism, neutrality, and prompt response
“No sector thrives in an atmosphere of conflict. No community prospers without peace,” the Commissioner stated, urging participants to ensure that the engagement produces practical solutions, stronger collaboration, and renewed mutual trust.
On behalf of the Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Bolarin reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to work closely with Kogi L-PRES and all relevant stakeholders to promote conflict prevention, peaceful coexistence, strengthen food security, and advance sustainable development throughout Kogi State.
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