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SSA To The President On Community Engagement Visits Udege, Brokers Peace Dialogue Between Farmers And Herders Over Deadly Attacks

Dr Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central), has visited Udege Kasa in Nasarawa Local Government Area, where she engaged representatives of communities affected by recent violent attacks that reportedly claimed over 80 lives and destroyed properties worth millions of naira.

The physical session of the Citizens’ Assembly under the #EngageNassarawaInitiative brought together stakeholders from severely impacted communities, including Gidan Ada Ogiri, Akyawa-Baka, Udege Kasa, Apura Adagba, and Ittara.

During the engagement, victims from predominantly Eloyi/Afo farming communities accused Fulani herders of deploying underaged children for grazing, leading to repeated destruction of farmlands, violent attacks, kidnappings, and killings whenever disputes arose.

On the other hand, Fulani representatives alleged that some farming communities poison grazing areas, resulting in cattle deaths, while also claiming that their members are often killed under accusations of banditry or kidnapping.

Both sides presented demands for urgent federal and state interventions, including improved security, reconstruction materials for destroyed homes, food support, farming inputs, electricity, and road infrastructure. 

Among the major requests were the construction of the Gada Hudu–Udege Kasa - Akyawa-Baka–Gidan Ogiri–Udege-Mbeki roads, alongside the establishment of a Forward Operating Base (FOB) to enhance security presence.

Following extensive dialogue, both parties reportedly agreed to end underaged and night grazing practices, while embracing the Federal Government’s proposed ranching system as a sustainable solution to recurring farmer-herder conflicts.

Dr. Essiet emphasized that population growth and evolving economic realities have made ranching more practical than traditional open grazing routes. She warned that the Federal Government would take decisive action against any party found undermining the peace process.

The Presidential aide also noted concerns that despite earlier assessment visits by National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), affected communities had yet to receive relief materials. She assured residents that their concerns would be relayed directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prompt intervention.

Earlier during the visit, Dr. Essiet paid royal homage to the Osu Ajiri of Edege Chiefdom, His Royal Highness, Alh. Suleiman Ahmad Eko, alongside the Chem Nku of Angwan Makama Chiefdom, His Royal Highness, Habila Adamu, before proceeding to the engagement and on-the-spot assessments of affected areas.

She further directed the Nasarawa Local Government and Udege Area Administrative Council authorities to jointly establish a peace and reconciliation committee to ensure sustained harmony across the troubled communities.

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