Key Points

• Plateau stakeholders launch roadmap to curb farmer-herder clashes
• Initiative targets land disputes and community tensions driving violence
• Gunmen kill two in Riyom hours after roadmap unveiling

Stakeholders in Plateau State have launched a roadmap aimed at ending long-running clashes between farmers and herders, a crisis that has claimed thousands of lives over two decades.

The initiative was unveiled Tuesday at the headquarters of the Plateau State Peace Building Agency in Jos.

Officials say the plan is designed to address the root causes of violence, including disputes over land, deep-seated grievances and mistrust among communities.

Push for peace and community solutions

Director General of the agency, Dr. Julie Sanda, speaking through Programme Director Nantip Joseph, described the roadmap as a step toward sustained peace.

She said the focus on farmer-herder tensions reflects the scale of the problem across Plateau and neighboring states.

Priscilla Ankut, deputy team leader for the Supporting Peace in Nigeria programme, said the guideline would help communities manage disputes tied to natural resources.

The programme, implemented with support from the Hague Institute for Innovation of Law, also covers Kaduna, Benue and Katsina states.

Ankut said many conflicts stem from competition over land and environmental pressures, with disputes often left unresolved until they turn violent.

Blending local realities with global ideas

Country representative of HiiL, Ijeoma Nwafor, said the framework combines international best practices with input from local actors, including farmers, herders, and traditional leaders.

She said the approach focuses on practical solutions and communication, rather than technical language, to make conflict resolution more accessible at the community level.

The guideline aims to equip local actors with tools to prevent disputes and handle them in ways seen as fair and transparent.

Fresh attack underscores ongoing violence

Hours after the launch, gunmen attacked Rim village in Riyom Local Government Area, killing two people and injuring two others.

Residents said the attackers stormed the community late Tuesday night, firing shots for several minutes before fleeing into nearby bushes.

A local resident, John Sati, said the injured were taken to a hospital for treatment.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Movement, Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the incident and said the attack caused panic in the area.

He called on security agencies to step up patrols and bring those responsible to justice.

Police did not immediately respond to requests for comment.