The Niger State Government has reported a reduction in farmer-herder clashes across the state, attributing the development to inclusive governance, improved engagement with pastoralists and stronger security collaboration.
It said the measures include providing access to basic social amenities, livelihood opportunities and mechanisms aimed at preventing disputes, while security agencies continue efforts to tackle banditry and other criminal activities.
The Commissioner for Nomadic and Pastoral Affairs, Alhaji Umar Rebe, disclosed this on Tuesday during the quarterly media briefing organised by the Ministry of Information and Orientation in Minna.
He said the present administration had adopted an inclusive approach that identified pastoralists, integrated them into government programmes and created platforms for peaceful coexistence.
According to Rebe, the government has compiled data on pastoralists in the state and is collaborating with security agencies to profile those entering Niger from other states to prevent future conflicts.
He added that committees had been established while advocacy campaigns were being sustained to consolidate the gains recorded in curbing farmer-herder clashes across the state.
Also speaking at the briefing, the Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, CP Adamu Elleman, represented by the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police Wasiu Abiodun, said security agencies had continued to combat banditry and other criminal activities in the state.
The police commissioner acknowledged that bandits often gain access into Niger State through border communities, adding that collaborative efforts among security agencies were being intensified to tackle the menace.
On farmer-herder relations, he said the police had established committees in all 25 local government areas of the state, comprising relevant stakeholders, to proactively address disputes and promote peaceful resolutions before they escalate.
Elleman also said the police were partnering with the Ministry of Information and Orientation to sensitise residents on resolving conflicts through dialogue rather than violence.