The Divisional Police Officer in charge of Mbaitoli Police Division, Daniel Wetben, has successfully mediated a peace agreement between farmers in Amulu-Ihitte Mbieri community and Fulani cattle herders following escalating tensions in the area.
The intervention came after numerous complaints from local farmers, particularly women, who reported significant destruction of their crops by cattle grazing in their farmlands.
During the peace meeting, DPO Wetben emphasized that the recurring conflicts between farmers and herders had become increasingly concerning, necessitating immediate resolution to prevent potential violence.
"The clash between the farmers and Fulani Herdsmen is becoming worrisome and unbearable, hence the need for peace to exist," the DPO stated while urging both parties to maintain cordial relationships. He specifically advised the herders to respect areas with cultivated crops.
Muhammad Shuaibu, Chairman of Miyetti Allah in Imo State, pledged that cattle herders would conduct their operations peacefully moving forward. Significantly, he committed to providing compensation to farmers whose crops were damaged by the herders' activities.
The President General of Amulu-Ihitte Mbieri community, Austin Egejuru, revealed that community members had frequently organized rescue missions to protect farmlands from destruction. He noted that despite initially welcoming the herders and providing them with land for their cattle business, the relationship deteriorated when the herders began destroying crops.
"Given the sudden development, women and other farmers became afraid of going to their farms to avoid being attacked," Egejuru explained, highlighting the security concerns that had emerged in the community.
The community leader expressed optimism that the police intervention and commitments from the herders' leadership would restore peace between the two groups, allowing agricultural activities to resume normally in the area.
This mediation represents a significant step in addressing the farmer-herder conflicts that have affected numerous communities across Nigeria, often resulting in violence and displacement when left unresolved.
Stay updated with more news from Imo State and across Nigeria by following BenriNews on our social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Telegram.
