From Billy Graham Abel, Yola
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has officially inaugurated the Adamawa State Peace, Conflict Resolution and Social Integration Commission, marking a significant milestone in his administration’s commitment to sustainable peace and community cohesion across the state.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held in Yola on Monday, Governor Fintiri described the creation of the Commission as the fulfilment of a pledge made during his 2019 election campaign, particularly to the people of the Numan Federation, who had endured devastating conflicts between farmers and herders in 2017 and 2018.
“We made a promise not only to heal the wound but to put in place lasting measures that would forestall a repeat of such crises,” the governor stated, reflecting on the toll of the clashes, which claimed lives, displaced communities, and destroyed property.
To address these challenges, the state government commissioned a comprehensive security study in 2019 and subsequently established the Technical Committee on the Security Situation in the Numan Federation.
The committee, composed of prominent leaders from the Bachama and Fulani communities, met for over two months and produced recommendations that have since guided peacebuilding efforts in the region.
“The inauguration of this Commission today is one of the recommendations from that technical report, and it has already shown considerable success,” the governor noted, expressing pride in the state’s ability to harness local talent for durable solutions.
“If there is anything Adamawa State has in reckless abundance, it is human resources.”
The legal foundation for the Commission was laid with the signing of Adamawa State Law No. 14 of 2020, gazetted in 2022, which empowers the Commission to proactively promote peace, prevent conflicts, and mediate communal and inter-ethnic disputes.
Governor Fintiri emphasised that peace and security are central to his administration’s recalibrated 8-Point Agenda and the broader Adamawa 2.0 development blueprint. “Peace is indeed the foundation upon which every other development pillar can be constructed,” he said.
The Commission will be chaired by HRH Alhamdu Gladstone Teneke, MFR, Hama Bata, with Dr. Jamila Suleiman, a seasoned conflict resolution expert, serving as Executive Vice Chairman. Other members include traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth representatives, and key stakeholders from both farming and pastoralist communities.
The full list of appointees includes Mohammed Bello, AVM (retd.) Nuhungu E. Nzokala, and representatives from NYCN, religious bodies, traditional councils, and the All Farmers Association of Nigeria.
Ex-officio members from the offices of the Secretary to the State Government, Attorney General, Security Adviser, and the State Vigilante Commander.
With the Commission now formally established, Governor Fintiri expressed confidence that it will serve as a vital institution for dialogue, integration, and long-term conflict resolution across the state.
“I congratulate the Chairman and all members. May we, at all times, enjoy the peace we deserve,” he concluded.
The post Adamawa: Fintiri launches peace commission to end farmer-herder conflict appeared first on The Sun Nigeria.
