Governor Bala Quells Tension, Secures Peace Deal in Darazo
By Abdulwahab Muhammad BauchÃ
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has successfully brokered a peace agreement between Fulani herders and farming communities in Nahuta, Darazo Local Government Area, following weeks of tension over land use in the region.
The peace meeting, held on Sunday, brought together key stakeholders from both sides of the conflict. It followed a series of violent clashes over access to land in the Sade and Darazo forest reserves, threatening the fragile peace in the area.
Speaking during the reconciliation meeting, Governor Bala commended both herders and farmers for choosing dialogue over confrontation. He emphasized the need for unity and peaceful coexistence, warning against actions that could incite further violence.
> “We must all work together to ensure peace. The government will not tolerate lawlessness, and we are taking concrete steps to address the root causes of this crisis,” the Governor said.
Key Measures Announced
As part of the peace efforts, Governor Bala announced the formation of a high-powered committee to:
Investigate recurring disputes,
Re-establish abandoned cattle routes,
Identify and rehabilitate grazing reserves,
Demarcate areas meant for farming and grazing.
He disclosed that only 2,500 hectares of land each in the Sade and Darazo forest reserves were officially allocated for farming under the government’s food sufficiency plan. He condemned illegal land allocations by some local officials and traditional rulers, describing such actions as selfish and unlawful.
> “If you can’t farm the land allocated to you, don’t lease it out for money. We will revoke such allocations and give them to people willing to cultivate them,” Governor Bala warned.
Voices From the Conflict
Representatives of the Fulani herders, Mallam Bala and Ahmadu Laddo, accused some farmers of trying to take over all grazing areas, saying it has become increasingly difficult to find space for their livestock.
They also alleged harassment of their wives when they enter nearby towns and called on security agencies to protect their rights.
On their part, farmers led by Mallam Lawal Babayo and Mai Unguwa Nadada, alleged that herders violently attacked them and prevented them from accessing their farmlands, many of which were leased for a farming season.
> “We recorded bumper harvests two years ago, but this year, we’ve faced violent resistance. We reported the matter to police and traditional rulers,” said Babayo.
Security and Stakeholder Support
The Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani Omolori, confirmed that a unit of officers had been deployed to maintain law and order in the area.
Other dignitaries at the meeting included House of Reps member Mansur Manu Soro, local government officials, members of the State House of Assembly, and traditional leaders — all of whom commended Governor Bala’s leadership and fairness.
They called for continued stakeholder engagement to ensure lasting peace.
> “Governor Bala's intervention has proven timely and effective. His neutrality and decisive action have brought calm to a volatile situation,” one community leader remarked.
Governor Bala concluded by reaffirming his administration’s commitment to maintaining peace, justice, and social harmony across the state, stating that “peace is a shared responsibility among government, community leaders, and the people.”
---
✅ Headline Options (Punchy and Suitable for Print or Broadcast)
1. Governor Bala Quells Tension, Secures Peace Deal in Darazo
Let me know which headline you prefer, or if you'd like a Hausa version or radio/TV script adaptation of the story.