GURFATA, GWAGWALADA — In response to the growing tension and recent violent clashes between farmers and herders in the Gurfata community, the Executive Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Hon. Abubakar Jibrin Giri, convened an emergency peace and security meeting on Thursday.
The high-level meeting, held at the Teachers’ House in Gwagwalada, brought together critical stakeholders including traditional rulers, leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, security agencies, and the Security Adviser to the FCT Minister. The aim: to find lasting solutions to the recurring farmer-herder conflict threatening lives and livelihoods in the community.
Speaking at the meeting, Hon. Giri reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering peace and unity among the area’s diverse ethnic and occupational groups. He described the situation in Gurfata as “deeply concerning” and called for tolerance, proactive dialogue, and community-driven conflict resolution mechanisms.
“This council will not fold its arms while our people are at risk. We are committed to ensuring that every citizen — farmer or herder — feels safe and protected in their community,” Giri said.
Deliberations at the meeting focused on the root causes of the conflict, security lapses, and how best to strengthen early warning systems and traditional dispute resolution channels. Participants agreed on the need for sustained community engagement and practical measures to reduce tensions on farmlands and grazing areas.
The Security Adviser to the FCT Minister, who was present at the meeting, emphasized the importance of intelligence sharing and inter-agency collaboration. He directed all security formations present to submit detailed situation reports to the Council Chairman, who will in turn forward the compiled reports to the Minister’s office for immediate investigation and policy response.
“Without accurate data and firsthand reports, we cannot solve the problem. What we need now is collaboration, accountability, and quick action,” the Security Adviser noted.
In a decisive move, Hon. Giri also ordered that security agencies maintain a visible and continuous presence in the Gurfata area through routine patrols and surveillance, assuring residents that normalcy would be restored and maintained.
The emergency meeting concluded with a renewed pledge from all parties to commit to peaceful coexistence and uphold the rule of law. Observers say the outcome of the meeting could determine the long-term security and agricultural stability of the Gurfata region, which remains a critical part of Gwagwalada’s local economy.
As the council awaits the situation reports and recommendations from the agencies involved, all eyes remain on the leadership of Hon. Abubakar Jibrin Giri to deliver peace-driven governance in one of FCT’s most culturally diverse councils.