Gombe State Government has commenced measures to prevent possible farmer–herder conflicts ahead of the 2026 farming season by enforcing regulations guiding grazing reserves, forest reserves, game reserves and designated cattle routes across the state.
The move follows the implementation phase of the White Paper on the recommendations of the Assessment Committee earlier set up by the state government
Chairman of the White Paper Implementation Committee, retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Babaji Sunday, disclosed this during advocacy visits to traditional rulers in Funakaye and Nafada Local Government Areas.
He said the committee had begun sensitization and stakeholder engagement to ensure farmers, herders and community leaders are adequately informed before the commencement of the next farming season.
According to him, the implementation of the approved recommendations by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya is expected to strengthen security and promote peaceful coexistence by clearly defining and protecting gazetted land-use areas.
“The aim is to ensure that grazing reserves, forest reserves, game reserves and cattle routes are respected in line with the law so that unnecessary conflicts between farmers and herders can be avoided,” he said.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the governor’s Director-General on Press Affairs, Ismaila Uba Misilli, AIG Sunday noted that the committee is working closely with traditional institutions to ensure smooth enforcement of the regulations across communities.
He added that traditional rulers play a critical role in community mobilisation and conflict prevention, which informed the committee’s advocacy visits to key palaces to brief them on the implementation process.
Also speaking, the Emir of Yamaltu, Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu, who represents the Gombe State Council of Emirs and Chiefs on the Implementation Committee, described the assignment as vital to sustaining the peace currently enjoyed in the state.
He warned residents against encroaching on gazetted forest reserves, grazing reserves and cattle routes, urging farmers to properly organize their farmlands to avoid sanctions.
The Emir pledged the support of traditional institutions for the initiative, assuring that ward heads, Ardos and local government authorities would work together to ensure awareness and compliance.
Similarly, the chairmen of Funakaye and Nafada Local Government Areas expressed readiness to support the enforcement process, noting that the reforms would help safeguard agricultural activities, improve security and promote long-term socio-economic stability in the state.
