Fintiri inaugurates Adamawa Conflict Resolution and Social Integration Commission

The Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has advised residents to expect a shift from the ongoing herders/farmers conflict to peace and development in their areas in the coming months.

Fintiri spoke in Yola on Monday at the inauguration of the Adamawa State Peace, Conflict Resolution, and Social Integration Commission.

Humwashi Wonosoiku, the governor’s press secretary, quoted the governor as saying, ‘In the coming months, you will witness a huge transformation from violence to peace and stability in the Numan Federation.’

The governor has launched a new strategy for resolving the 5-year conflict between herders and farmers in the state, committing to restoring peace and normalcy.

He stated, “To put things in context, when we toured around the state campaigning between 2018 and 2019, the Numan Federation was nursing an infected wound caused by a series of confrontations between farmers and Fulani herders.

“These conflicts, particularly prominent in late 2017 and early 2018, involved deadly attacks and counterattacks, resulting in significant loss of life, displacement of communities, and destruction of properties.”

“We promised not only to heal the wound, but also to put in place long-term measures to prevent a recurrence of the incident anywhere in Adamawa state. So, upon resumption of office in 2019, we commissioned a scoping study on the state’s security condition.”

“In 2020, we empanelled a dialogue called the Technical Committee on the Security Situation in the Numan Federation, specifically to bring a lasting solution to the ongoing farmer-herder conflict, with the leadership of Bachama and Fulani as members.”

“With an objective moderation by the duo Dr. Jamilu Suleiman – a consummate conflict resolution expert leased to us from Modibbo Adama University and Dr. Umar Garba Pella, who was then the Commissioner of Information and Strategy, the committee members frankly engaged each other under one roof for over two months after which the it submitted its report to the government for implementation” .

“As a government, we have taken the report’s recommendations as a peace compass for the federation and the state. I am pleased to inform you now that this template has produced significant results in this direction.”

The governor stated that the committee’s terms of reference included, among other things, developing a concise action plan that would include national and state-level initiatives, paving the way for the restoration of peace and development in the state.

Members of the committee are 1. HRH Alhamdu Gladstone Teneke, MFR, Hama Bata (Demsa LG) – Part-time Chairman.

1. Dr. Jamila Suleiman, Executive Vice Chairman.

2. Comrade Mohammed Bello (Yola-South LG, Permanent Commissioner)

3. AVM Nuhungu E. Nzokala Rtd. (Numan LG), Permanent Commissioner

4. SSG: Ex-officio

5. Attorney General, Ex-officio

6. Special Advisor on Security Matters – Ex-officio

7. Commander of the state vigilante group – Ex officio

8. Chairman of Maiha, Hong, and Toungo – Members

9. Imam Bashir Tahir Yola (Muslim Council Nominee)—Member

10. Bishop John Shetima Chibok (CAN Nominee) – Member

11. Three representatives from traditional councils (the district heads of Girei, Shelleng, and Michika).

12. Three youth representatives (NYCN nominees) – Members

13. Fatima Raji (Yola-South LG) – Member

14. Obi Wycliff Dah (Demsa LG) – Member.

15. Alh. Sanusi Mustapha (Madagali LG) – Member

16. Kabiru Ibrahim (Representative of All Farmers Association)—Member

17. Dr. Abubakar Umar Girei (Representative of Pastoralists)—Member

18. Abubakar Bacci (HOS) – Secretary.

The appointment of the Chairman and Commission members takes effect immediately upon this inauguration, according to the statement.