The Executive Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Hon. Kasim Mohammed, has convened a crucial peace meeting with representatives of farming and herding communities following a recent escalation of violence in parts of the Area Council, declaring that “enough is enough.”
The meeting, held against the backdrop of reported clashes, casualties and destruction in some communities, brought together representatives of both groups, traditional authorities and security stakeholders in an effort to prevent further bloodshed and establish a lasting framework for peaceful coexistence.
In his opening remarks, Chairman Kasim Mohammed expressed concern that what he had expected to be his administration’s first engagement with the two communities would instead be taking place amid violence and loss of lives.
The Chairman warned that no individual, regardless of status, position or affiliation, would be above the law, stressing that anyone found to have violated the law would face the appropriate consequences.
“Enough is enough,” the Chairman declared, urging farmers and herders to immediately stop taking the law into their own hands.
He advised both parties to report grievances, suspected offences and disputes to constituted authorities rather than resorting to retaliation, warning that continued violence would only deepen the crisis and destroy communities.
Kasim Mohammed challenged the two groups to find practical ways of living and working together peacefully, stressing that farmers and herders remain important stakeholders in the development of Gwagwalada and must not allow recurring conflicts to undermine the progress of the Area Council.
He commended some Hakimis for initiating a peace meeting between the affected communities, noting that recent clashes in different locations, particularly around the Dobi axis, had reportedly resulted in about eight casualties.
The Chairman stressed that the meeting was not convened merely for dialogue but was also intended as a clear warning to anyone contemplating further violence.
He assured the gathering that anyone found culpable after proper investigation would be made to face the law, irrespective of their identity, status or community.
As part of efforts to uncover the circumstances surrounding the crisis, the Chairman announced the constitution of a 13-member Investigative Committee on the Farmers-Herders Conflict.
The committee has been given two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report.
Its terms of reference include investigating the immediate and remote causes of the farmers-herders conflict; ascertaining the extent of damage, injuries and other losses suffered by both parties; and making recommendations capable of promoting reconciliation and preventing further clashes.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Officer Commanding the 167 Battalion urged farmers and herders to reject violence, abuse of privileges and other acts capable of threatening peace and security within Gwagwalada Area Council.
He emphasized that human life remains sacred and more valuable than property, livestock or farmland, urging both communities to embrace dialogue, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and established security channels when addressing grievances.
He specifically encouraged parties involved in disputes over damaged crops, killed animals or other property-related matters to report such incidents through appropriate channels instead of resorting to reprisal attacks.
The military commander assured the gathering that security agencies would not tolerate criminality, adding that the investigative process, which includes relevant security representation, would help identify the root causes of the conflict and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
Chairman Kasim Mohammed subsequently charged representatives of both communities to make a firm commitment before the gathering to prevent any further escalation.
He maintained that peaceful coexistence remained the only viable option if Gwagwalada was to continue on the path of development.
Representatives of both the Fulani and farming communities pledged to work with the authorities and one another to curtail the situation and prevent a recurrence of the violence.
The representative of Miyetti Allah appreciated the intervention of the Chairman and appealed to him, as the leader of all residents of Gwagwalada Area Council, to personally visit the scene where Fulani residents and their cattle were reportedly killed.
The development comes as authorities intensify efforts to establish the facts surrounding the recent violence and address the grievances of both communities.
The 13-member investigative committee is expected to complete its work within two weeks and present recommendations that will guide further government action.
Hon. Kasim Mohammed reiterated his administration’s commitment to peace, justice and dialogue, emphasizing that farmers and herders are indispensable stakeholders in Gwagwalada Area Council.
He called on both communities to put aside differences, respect the law and work towards a peaceful coexistence, stressing that the development of Gwagwalada cannot be achieved in an atmosphere of recurring violence and mistrust.
The Chairman’s intervention is expected to provide a fresh opportunity for stakeholders to address the underlying issues behind the conflict, establish accountability for alleged violations and build a more sustainable peace between farming and herding communities across the Area Council.