The Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, has directed all communities under the Bida Emirate to establish five to seven-member committees, comprising farmers and nomads to address and prevent conflicts between the two groups.

The monarch gave the directive in Bida, Niger state, during a forum with the eight local government chairmen, district heads, and village heads of the Bida Emirate Council, held in Bida.

Yahaya, who is also the chairman, Niger Council of Traditional Rulers, said the recurring farmer-herder clashes posed a serious threat to peaceful co-existence, agricultural activities, and the livelihoods of communities.

The traditional ruler stated the need for urgent and collective action to prevent the situation from escalating.

He called for strict enforcement of the state grazing law, particularly the provision requiring a four-foot corridor for herders, as well as stronger collaboration between village heads and leaders of nomadic communities.

The Etsu Nupe also advocated the deployment of the Forest Guard Service to monitor designated grazing routes, prevent encroachment, and protect farmlands from destruction.

He said sustainable peace between farmers and herders can only be achieved through respect for the law, continuous dialogue, and effective use of community-based structures.