Jos, Plateau State – April 21, 2026

The Plateau State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Veterinary and Fisheries, Dr. Sunday Akpa, has called for increased community-driven approaches to resolving farmer-herder conflicts, emphasizing dialogue, mutual understanding, and peaceful coexistence as key to lasting peace.

Dr. Akpa made this known while speaking at a multi-level and multi-sectoral roundtable on sustainable peace infrastructure held at Novel Suites in Jos. The event, themed “Addressing Farmer-Herder Conflicts in the Context of Criminality and Land Disputes,” was organized by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) in collaboration with the Plateau State Peace Building Agency (PSPBA), with support from GIZ under the Peacecore II Project.

The Commissioner downplayed the widespread perception of farmer-herder conflicts, describing many of the incidents as localized disputes that have traditionally been resolved within communities.

According to him, “These issues are often exaggerated. In many cases, they are local misunderstandings that can be addressed through dialogue at the community level. We must return to those traditional mechanisms of resolving conflicts.”

He stressed that sustainable peace can only be achieved when communities take ownership of conflict resolution processes and embrace reconciliation.

Dr. Akpa further highlighted the importance of public enlightenment, noting that the government is intensifying efforts through town hall engagements and awareness campaigns to educate citizens on peaceful coexistence and the economic opportunities within the livestock sector.

“There is a lot of wealth to be created in the livestock industry. People need to understand the value chains and find areas where they can participate productively rather than engage in conflict,” he added.

Stakeholders Emphasize Collaboration

The roundtable brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, and security agencies, to explore practical solutions to the persistent conflicts affecting communities in Plateau State.

In his welcome address, Country Manager of HD, Dr. Chris Agoha, underscored the complexity of farmer-herder conflicts, linking them to broader issues such as land disputes, climate change, banditry, and political interference.

He warned that the growing involvement of criminal elements—including kidnapping, cattle rustling, and illegal arms proliferation—has deepened insecurity across the Middle Belt region.

Peacecore II Project Records Gains

Also speaking, National Expert Adviser of HD Nigeria, Sam Godongs, outlined key achievements of the Peacecore II Project, noting that it has strengthened coordination among peace actors across Plateau State.

He disclosed that the project has facilitated 18 local-level agreements, 10 zonal agreements, and two frameworks with local government chairmen, while also promoting inclusive participation, particularly among women.

Godongs added that the project has helped institutionalize peacebuilding efforts by aligning stakeholders under the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, enhancing early warning systems and coordinated responses to conflict.

He also identified political activities, especially during election periods, as triggers for violence, citing youth manipulation, drug abuse, and intense political rivalry as contributing factors.

PSPBA Reaffirms Commitment

Representing the Director-General of the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, Dr. Julie Sanda, Kyenmun Bulus reiterated the agency’s commitment to promoting sustainable peace through inclusive and coordinated approaches.

She described the roundtable as a critical platform for stakeholders to share experiences and develop actionable solutions to conflicts rooted in land access, identity, and livelihoods.

Interactive Panels Explore Solutions

The event featured two highly interactive panel discussions. The first examined stakeholder contributions toward enhancing peace and social cohesion across the state, while the second focused on community-led actions and structures for resolving conflicts and addressing insecurity.

Hope for Lasting Peace

Participants expressed optimism that strengthened collaboration, improved coordination, and sustained dialogue would help build a more peaceful and resilient Plateau State.

The roundtable forms part of ongoing efforts under the Peacecore II Project to develop sustainable peace infrastructure and promote long-term stability in conflict-affected communities.